Each Halloween, the International Museum of Surgical Science opens up its iconic Gilded Age mansion for a candlelit costume fundraiser. With an exclusive pass to drink cocktails and socialize among the Museum’s collection of artworks and antique medical equipment, this haunted evening is the best Halloween party of the year!

The IMSS has made the difficult decision to cancel its in-person gala for 2020 in support of the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago’s efforts to encourage social distancing and responsible gatherings. This year, we will celebrate spooky season with #HalloweenFromHome, a month of unique digital programming and two online silent auction fundraisers hosted virtually through eBay Charity. Visit our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to watch our #HalloweenFromHome content.


Our 2020 Adopt-a-Skull Silent Auction Fundraiser took place from Monday, October 12 to Monday, October 19, 2020. This auction has closed but stay tuned for updates!


Our 2020 Halloween Auction Fundraiser took place from Wednesday, October 21 to Saturday, October 31, 2020. This auction has closed but stay tuned for updates!



We thank you for standing with us and lending your support to our largest fundraiser of the year. Your participation ensures that the IMSS will be able to continue sharing the history of medicine and surgery and serving as a hub of scholarship, learning, and civic engagement in 2020 and beyond.

If you missed out on our 2020 programming and would still like to support the IMSS, please click the button below to donate directly to the Museum’s GoFundMe.


For more information about our annual gala, please call the front desk at 312-642-6502 or send an email to info@imss.org.