Vienna
Permanent collection

The Multiload: Exploring a Historical Contraceptive Device and its Medical Significance

Uncover the unique design and market research history behind this 1979 plastic spiral artifact from Germany.

The Multiload represents a fascinating chapter in the evolution of contraceptive technology. This artifact, a distinctive round plastic spiral from 1979, features five protruding teeth on each side, highlighting its innovative design for its time. Originally collected by a major pill manufacturer for critical market research, it offers insights into medical device development and societal shifts in healthcare.

About Multiload at Museum of Contraception and Abortion in Vienna

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Multiload at Museum of Contraception and Abortion in Vienna

Exhibition summary

The Multiload is a historical contraceptive device, a round plastic spiral with five protruding teeth on each side. It was collected by a major pill manufacturer for market research purposes.

Curatorial context

The Multiload, dating from December 1979, is a notable artifact in the history of contraception. This particular item is a round plastic spiral featuring five protruding teeth on each side. It originated from Germany and was collected by a large pill manufacturer, indicating its significance for market research during that period. The object is in good condition and was donated by the Schering Archive Berlin. Its inventory number is 3796D.

Multiload key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Multiload at Museum of Contraception and Abortion in Vienna

Venue
Museum of Contraception and Abortion
Current status
Permanent collection
Exhibition schedule
Permanent display (no announced closing date)
Artist line / attribution
Information not currently available
More from Museum of Contraception and Abortion
Explore additional exhibitions from the same institution
Review other exhibitions from Museum of Contraception and Abortion in Vienna to compare themes, timelines, and program direction while planning your museum visit.
Illustration of the history of pregnancy testing, showing ancient Egyptian grain tests, medieval urine analysis, frog-based tests, and modern HCG tests, all in purple watercolor style.
Permanent exhibition

Pregnancy Test: Historical Methods at Museum of Contraception and Abortion

Explore ancient traditions to early scientific techniques for confirming conception.

This exhibition explores the evolving history of pregnancy testing, from ancient observational practices to pioneering scientific discoveries. Discover curious stories and diverse cultural approaches to understanding human conception across the centuries. It offers insights into women's health through a historical lens.

The Pregnancy Test
Watercolor illustration of a T-shaped intrauterine device (IUD) with purple arms, an orange copper coil, and a blue thread, displayed on textured paper.
Permanent exhibition

Explore the Swing CU 380 IUD Exhibition at the Contraception History Museum

A historical plastic and copper T-coil device from 1995.

This permanent exhibit showcases the Swing CU 380, an intrauterine device used for contraception. Examine this well-preserved 1995 medical object to understand its design and role in reproductive health.

Swing CU 380 Exhibit
Close-up of a Saf-T-Coil 33S plastic spiral contraceptive with a small ball, displayed over medical instruction manuals and archival documents on a purple watercolor background.
Permanent exhibition

Saf-T-Coil 33S: 1970s Contraceptive Artifact at Museum of Contraception and Abortion

Explore this unique medical device and pharmaceutical history collection item.

Learn about the Saf-T-Coil 33S, a plastic spiral contraceptive collected for market research. This artifact from the early 1970s includes an instruction manual, offering insight into its design and historical use as a birth control device.

Saf-T-Coil 33S
A watercolor illustration of the Gräfenberg Ring, a coiled wire contraceptive device from the early 20th century, rendered in purple and blue hues on a white background.
Permanent exhibition

The Gräfenberg Ring: A Historical Medical Device from Contraception Research

Pioneering contraceptive coil developed by Ernst Gräfenberg around 1920.

This entry explores the Gräfenberg Ring, an important coiled wire device made of medical steel. Learn about its origins as a contraceptive, linked to Ernst Gräfenberg and medical history around 1920.

Gräfenberg Ring
A purple watercolor illustration of a Dalkon Shield contraceptive device with its insertion applicator, displayed on a dark background with artistic splatters.
Permanent exhibition

Dalkon Shield (brown) with insertion device: A Medical History Artifact

Explore the controversial history of this contraceptive coil.

Examine a brown Dalkon Shield contraceptive coil and its specific insertion device. This artifact offers insight into past birth control technologies and their impact, forming part of the Museum of Contraception and Abortion's collection.

Dalkon Shield Exhibit
Watercolor illustration of a Multiload Cu 250 short intrauterine device (IUD) with copper wrapping, set against a purple and white watercolor background.
Permanent exhibition

Multiload Cu 250 Short: An Intrauterine Device Medical Artifact from 1982 Germany

A significant artifact revealing 1980s contraception technology and market research.

This detailed entry describes the Multiload Cu 250 short, a plastic spiral IUD with copper wrapping. It was collected for market research and dates to December 1982, originating from Germany. Explore its specifications and historical significance within medical device history.

Multiload Cu 250 Short
Vienna

Discover Current Exhibitions in Vienna: Your Essential Exhibition Search Guide

Explore Vienna's dynamic art and cultural displays today.

Find compelling art, history, and science exhibitions happening throughout Vienna. This specialized resource helps you locate unique cultural experiences and plan your visit to inspiring displays. Explore Vienna's rich cultural scene with ease.