If you’d like to see some brains and learn more about how they work, here are thirteen neurotourism suggestions found in the U.S., abroad, and online:
In the U.S.
Koshland Science Museum’s Life Lab Exhibit
Location: Washington DC
An exhibit where you can learn about the brain, memory, learning and general aging across the lifespan.
Brain Extravaganza
Location: Bloomington, Indiana
Dates: April – October, 2012
22 large colorful brain statues around Bloomington accompanied by signs listing facts about the brain. A brain location map can be found at the bottom of this page.
Wonder Years Exhibit at The Science Museum of Minnesota
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
An exploration of early childhood development and the world as kids see it.
Goosebumps! The Science of Fear
Location: A traveling exhibit currently at the Space Center in Houston, Texas
Dates: Will be at the Space Center until September 3, 2012 (see the link for future locations)
Interactive exhibits on the brain and body’s fear response.
Brain Matters: Interactive Exhibits on Brain Science and Health
Location: Nashville, Tennessee (at Vanderbilt Health, One Hundred Oaks)
Learn about brain chemistry, anatomy, disorders and diseases.
W.O.N.D.E.R. Center at the Arizona Science Center
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
The Walton Optimal Neurological Discovery Education and Research Center (W.O.N.D.E.R.) explores the human brain; includes a neurotheater showing brain surgeries.
Use Your Brain exhibit at Gateway to Science
Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
Brain teasers, brain specimens, and brain MRI images.
Outside the U.S.
The Brain Museum in Lima
Location: Lima, Peru
A collection of 3,000 brains and fetuses with various abnormalities resulting from neurological disorders, substance abuse, and other diseases and harmful conditions.
The Mind Museum’s Life Gallery
Location: Taguig, Philippines
Features a giant Human Brain exhibit.
Human Anatomy Museum at the University of Turin
Location: Turin, Italy
Displays include brains of different kinds (including a collection of criminals’ brains) and plaster skull casts.
Online goodies
Comparative Mammalian Brain Collections
Large online collection of mammalian brain images and information.
The Museum of Scientifically Accurate Fabric Brain Art
Knitted and quilted brains!
What Have You Got in Your Head?
Sara Asnaghi’s sculptures of the human brain using foods ranging from black rice to rainbow candy.
Bright Across the Lifespan 