10 Things to Do in Leiden University Historical Museum



Leiden University Historical Museum (LUHM) is a museum in Leiden, Netherlands that is dedicated to the history of Leiden University. It is the oldest museum in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in Europe. The museum was founded in 1877 and is part of the Leiden University Library.

The museum offers an extensive collection of artifacts and documents related to the history of Leiden University. It also provides a unique opportunity to learn about the university’s rich history and its impact on the Netherlands and the world. Here are 10 things to do in the Leiden University Historical Museum.

1. Visit the Old Library: The Old Library is one of the most impressive parts of the museum. It was built in 1632 and is the oldest library in the Netherlands. The library is filled with rare books and manuscripts from the 16th and 17th centuries.

2. Explore the Art Gallery: The Art Gallery houses a collection of artworks that date back to the 16th century. It includes paintings, sculptures, and other works of art by Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Jan Steen, and Jan van Goyen.

3. Check Out the Scientific Instruments: The museum houses a collection of scientific instruments from the 16th to the 19th centuries. These include microscopes, telescopes, and other scientific tools used by Leiden University’s scientists.

4. Learn About the Leiden Observatory: The Leiden Observatory was founded in 1633 and is the oldest astronomical observatory in the Netherlands. The museum houses a collection of astronomical instruments and documents related to the observatory’s history.

5. Visit the Anatomical Theatre: The Anatomical Theatre was built in 1637 and is the oldest anatomical theatre in the world. It was used for teaching anatomy and medical techniques. The museum includes a collection of anatomical models and instruments from the 17th century.

6. See the Anatomy Cabinet: The Anatomy Cabinet is a collection of anatomical models and instruments from the 17th and 18th centuries. It includes skeletons, organs, and other anatomical specimens.

7. View the Botanical Garden: The Botanical Garden was founded in 1638 and is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands. The garden houses a variety of plants from around the world, including some of the oldest plants in the country.

8. Explore the Hortus Botanicus: The Hortus Botanicus is an outdoor garden that was founded in 1638. It includes a variety of plants from around the world, including some of the oldest plants in the Netherlands.

9. Visit the University Museum: The University Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of Leiden University. It includes a collection of artifacts and documents related to the university’s history.

10. Take a Tour of the Museum: The museum offers guided tours that provide an in-depth look at the history of Leiden University. The tours are available in Dutch, English, and German.

The Leiden University Historical Museum is a great place to explore the history of Leiden University and the Netherlands. With its extensive collection of artifacts and documents, the museum provides a unique opportunity to learn about the university’s rich history and its impact on the world.