In Leiden you discover science!
Did you know that Leiden is a true city of science? Leiden has been a place of knowledge and expertise for centuries. The world-famous physician Herman Boerhaave worked in Leiden in the 18th century. He made medicines with plants from the Hortus, the botanical garden that is still used by researchers today. You can get to know science yourself in the 13 Leiden museums, during the Dutch Bio Science Week and the Night of Discoveries.
Collections of scientists
It is no coincidence that Leiden is a city of science. Throughout the centuries, scientists have researched and collected a lot here. All these collections of researchers such as books, art, clothing and utensils can be found in the Leiden museums. These discoveries from back then form the basis for the research of scientists today, for example at the Leiden Bio Science Park.
Science in the city
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Leiden Discoveries
Many remarkable and important discoveries have been made in Leiden. Wander through the city and discover the fascinating stories behind them on the spot.
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Family Audio Tour City of Discoveries
You start the tour at the Tourist Information Office (VVV) and listen to 11 audio clips along the way.
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Science Route
Walk past scientific discoveries from the past and present.
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Wall Formulas
Superconductivity, the Zeeman effect and Einstein: you will discover these during a walk along the Wall Formulas.
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Around the Rapenburg
Walk past memorable moments from the university's history with the Rondje Rapenburg.
Curious for 450 years
Did you know that Leiden University is celebrating its 450th anniversary this year? This makes it the oldest university in the Netherlands. Since 1575, the university has been looking toward a future with more knowledge, solutions, and new questions. Because scientists are curious about everything: from the human body to better governance and from language skills to a greener world.
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Discover the scientist in you
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Learn all about the history of science in the Netherlands.
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Dinosaur bones, biodiversity, evolution and even real preparations.
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See, feel and hear how your body works in the 'journey through the human body'.
What is the Leiden Bio Science Park?
You will find the Leiden Bio Science Park next to Leiden Central Station. This is where the scientists and talents of the future work, especially in the field of health. Medicines are made at the park, students attend lectures and doctors care for patients at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC).
Want to know more? Visit the Open Day during the Dutch Bio Science Week or walk the Science Route.
With a scientific twist
Others wondered
Because the oldest university in the Netherlands has been located here since 1575 and many Nobel Prize winners and discoveries originate from here.
Leiden University is a leading international university (the oldest in the Netherlands) with strong research areas such as medicine, law, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. The university attracts students and researchers from all over the world.
Leiden has a rich history of famous scientists, including Herman Boerhaave, Christiaan Huygens, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, Albert Einstein and Willem Einthoven. Their discoveries have had a global impact on medicine, physics, and biology. Leiden has also had a global influence on the level of humanities through Sophia Antoniades and Siebold.
Leiden has an international reputation for science thanks to its university, research institutes, and collaborations with international partners. Many discoveries and ideas that originated in Leiden have had a global impact.
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13 museums
13 museums
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Tourist office
Tourist office
