museum boerhaave

We were lucky that there was a treasure hunt while we were there, so we had lots of characters around to give us information. We actually came back the next day to see the rest beacause it is almost too much to visit in one day. Museum Boerhaave is the Dutch National Museum for the History of Science and Medicine. In 1931 it opened its doors. Since 1991 Museum Boerhaave is located in the former Caecilia Hospital, in the centre of Leiden. In terms of the history of science and medicine, the collections in Museum Boerhaave are among the most important in the world. The original nunnery of St Caecilia dates from the early 15th century. Originally a nunnery, the building had become municipal property after the Reformation and shortly before 1600 was converted into a ‘plague hospital and madhouse’. In 1635 it became an University hospital. It was here, around 1720, that Herman Boerhaave gave his famous sickbed lessons that drew medical students to Leiden from around the world. it is very exciting to see how illness was treated so long ago. You can see many original instruments taht the dokters used to use. There is so much history everyone in the family will find something they want to see and read about. There is a small restaurant where you can rest and get something to eat, plenty of restrooms and lockers for your belongings.

Thank you for your compliments! Our team is happy to hear that our hospitality and our efforts in sharing our enthousiasm for science and technology are appreciated. Like all great inventors, we keep doing our best!

This is a great museum for young and old. They have a wonderful collection of skeletons of animals and men, tools and always very interesting and informative exhibitions. Often these exhibitions are interactive e.g. using tablets.

This museum focusses upon both physics and natural science in a very practical way with many exhibits of instruments and experiments.The collection is well presented with descriptions in both Dutch and English. If you are able to understand Dutch, English and a bit of Latin then it is even better given the many old books on display. The museum is not too big so you can spend a couple of hours there and get a good insight into the subjects covered.

Wonderful museum, but best for children upwards of eight years old. Both permanent and temporary exhibits always fascinating.

We had wanted to see this museum due to to its association with van Leeuwenhoek and Huygens. We tagged along with a tour in English given by a very knowledgeable guide who explained the history behind the science done by these great scientists in the 17th century. There was also a good deal of good humour, making the tour interesting. Some displays are a bit gory for smaller children, but fine for teenagers studying biology. I particularly enjoyed the original anatomy lecture theatre and fantastic introduction to the museum. There are excellent exhibits for children to explore,with some beautiful brass models explaining the science. The model pile driver caused no end of amusement. There is also an area for children to explore and play, and many special events are laid on. The staff were enthusiastic and helpful. A great way to spend a rainy afternoon.

My husband and I both taught chemistry at university, and we found this museum fascinating. The Dutch are famous for many contributions to science, and this museum is full of original instruments and displays developed at the University of Leiden, the oldest university in the Netherlands. There is a strong focus on medicine and optics, but exhibits dealing with many other areas are there too. If you are interested in any aspect of science, you will find something here to enjoy.

Thanks a lot for your comments. We hope to see you back soon!

Thank you Jo for your feedback. We are always happy to read positive reactions. And we learn from less positive items too. Your remark on our monumental building cannot be denied. We do our best to improve this, but then again this historical 'warren' gives some extra atmosphere to our collection, doesn't it?

Wonderful to see in Museum Boerhaave that what we took for granted during lessons in physics concerning gravity, optics, mechanics and many more, was subject of scientific research and testing just a few centuries ago.

A very nice collection with a very interesting and intriguing theater where you can even see several skeletons in the way it was in the old days. I missed good explanation of the things in the museum. There were a lot of artifacts but it was nog Always clear what they used to do with them. Also there were several artifacts temporary missing. I think a bit too many...Temperature was very high in some parts of the museum.

This museum shows the history of science and medicine. Whereas not everything will be of interest to children, there are usually some great exhibitions and workshops especially for kids.

I had the impression this was going to be a small museum, but it is in fact quite large. Quite interesting to see all the medical instruments. I was not so keen on the astronomical part, but it's very good if that is your thing. I would not go out of my way to fit it in, but it's very good if you have nothing to do on a rainy day!

This lovely old building was a former hospital and now houses some wonderful exhibits of science, medicine, physics, chemistry and more.So many great collections and it's fun for the kids as well with the interactive displays.This is a real part of old Leiden.

Living and working in Leiden right now so trying to see as much of this vibrant city over the weekends that I am here. Decided to head to the Boerhaave Museam this afternoon. The museum is easy to locate and there are street signs everywhere pointing you in the right direction and its pretty central. Entered the museum and the staff member explained in detail how the route worked and also provided me with headphones and a translation box so I had all the required information in english in my ear at the touch of a button, The museum contains lots of interesting stuff from ealry medical experiments and equipment to modern devices we know and use daily and take for granted. I mostly enjoyed seeing the anatomical specimens contained within jars and a detailed explanation on how medical equipment such as the iron lung were first developed and how they play such an important part in modern hospitals today. The museum aslo has a coffee area, library and shop - worth a visit if you are in Leiden.