Discover five centuries of natural science and medicine in the Boerhaave Museum.

Named after legendary university instructor Herman Boerhaave (1668-1738) who made the University of Leiden one of the most famous ones in Europe. It is situated in the former St. Caecilia Hospital, which is a museum in and of itself. The collections comprise five centuries of natural and medical sciences, focusing on the practice of these sciences in the Netherlands. Some highlights are Leeuwenhoek's microscopes, the oldest pendulum clock made by Christiaan Huygens as well as the ultra-deepfreeze equipment of Kamerlingh Onnes and the prototype of the electrocardiogram. Visitors can also conduct science experiments themselves or operate models of old instruments. The anatomical museum is quite spectacular with its sensational exhibit of human and animal skeletons.

Opening times

  • Every monday from 10:00 to 17:00
  • Every tuesday from 10:00 to 17:00
  • Every wednesday from 10:00 to 17:00
  • Every thursday from 10:00 to 17:00
  • Every friday from 10:00 to 17:00
  • Every saturday from 10:00 to 17:00
  • Every sunday from 10:00 to 17:00
  • Closing days 2024: January 1, March 25, April 8, April 27, July 1, September 16, October 3, December 2 and December 25.

Prices

  • Adults€15.00
  • Children€5.50
  • ChildrenFree
  • CJP (Cultureel Jongeren Paspoort)€8.00
  • StudentsFree
  • MJK (Museumjaarkaart)Free

Location