Acclaimed to be one of the best in Asia, the museum is a product of the painstaking research, commitment and perseverance of Dr. S S Godbole, a noted anatomist and artist who produced the finest specimens in anatomy. The museum has 1000 odd dissected specimens of the human body- adult, foetus and other animals. The museum also displays cross sectional specimens, radiographs, skeletons of human and other vertebrates, radiographs and developmental anatomy models. The museum collection is laid out in sections: Head and Neck, Thorax, Visceral anatomy, Limbs, Sectional anatomy, Nervous system, Developmental anatomy and Comparative anatomy.

Though the specimens and models are continuously added to the collection, some specimens date back to half a decade and still show no signs of degradation. Currently, sincere efforts are being made to promote the museum as a lively source of interaction for health science students and also the public.

The museum is open from 8 AM to 6 PM and not only caters to the students and staff of the Manipal University, but also to schools, colleges and the general public. While the entrance for Manipal university staff, students and guests is free, a nominal fee is collected from the public.

The renowned anatomist, Dr. R.J.Last ,on a visit to the museum simply wrote, "It's one of the best".