Vesalius Museum

Om museet

The Vesalius Museum is an initiative of KU Leuven and UZ Leuven. The name refers to the sixteenth-century scientist Andreas Vesalius, the founder of modern anatomy, who dissected bodies himself and questioned existing ideas. The museum brings together the scientific collections of KU Leuven with the heritage collection of the hospital, the Histaruz collection.

The museum is housed in two historic buildings on the Hertogensite in the centre of Leuven: the nineteenth-century anatomical theatre, the Theatrum, and the former Pathological Institute, the Laboratorium. The reception and the museum shop are in the Theatrum; the exhibition rooms and the permanent exhibition are in the Laboratorium. Early in the twentieth century the Laboratorium was the site of research in gynaecology, obstetrics and experimental pathology.

The museum opens with the permanent exhibition on care and science at every stage of life, from pregnancy and birth to illness, recovery and death. Historical objects stand alongside contemporary scientific instruments and works by artists. In the studios and the auditorium, digital experiences for groups can also be booked.

Højdepunkter

• Permanent exhibition on care and science at every stage of life
• Historical medical objects from the collections of KU Leuven and UZ Leuven
• Work by contemporary artists in dialogue with science
• The nineteenth-century anatomical theatre (Theatrum) as the starting and end point of the visit
• Digital experiences for groups in the auditorium and studios (on request)

Permanent udstilling

• Zorg en wetenschap in elke levensfase – The permanent exhibition covers care and science from pregnancy and birth to illness, recovery and death, with medical heritage, contemporary instruments and art.

Ejer

KU Leuven en UZ Leuven

Ledelse

Tinne Claes (academisch directeur)

Entrépriser & rabatter

Free admission is also available to holders of a museum pass, a KU Leuven culture card or an ICOM card. Anyone with a discount or free admission shows valid proof on arrival. Tickets cannot be cancelled, exchanged or refunded. Before the opening you can only buy tickets online; afterwards also at the reception. Payment can be made online by Bancontact, Mastercard or Visa, and in the museum also in cash.

Tilgængelighed

• Kørestolsvenlig
• Elevator
• Handicaptoilet
• Handicapparkering: ingen oplysninger
• Servicehunde tilladt
• Taktile tilbud
• Rundvisninger på tegnsprog: ingen oplysninger
• Letlæste tilbud: ingen oplysninger
• Synstolkning: ingen oplysninger

Both museum buildings have lifts to all floors; the accessible toilet is also reachable by lift. A folding stool can be borrowed free of charge at the reception. Tactile floor plans are in the exhibition rooms; via the ErfgoedApp you can download an adapted tour for blind and visually impaired visitors, or borrow a tablet at the reception. Videos have Dutch and English subtitles, and audio testimonies are also available as text. A visual step-by-step guide and a sensory floor plan help you prepare your visit; on level -1 of the Laboratorium there is a rest and changing room. The museum is affiliated with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. Recognised assistance and therapy animals are welcome.

Børn og familie

• Barnevognsvenlig: findes ikke
• Puslerum

Pushchairs are not allowed in the museum; with a baby or toddler the museum recommends a baby carrier, and you can park your buggy at the reception. On level -1 of the Laboratorium you will find a changing table and a place to breastfeed. Young people up to and including 18 years enter free.

Transport & parkering

The museum lies in the historic heart of Leuven, about five minutes' walk from the Oude Markt and the Kruidtuin. The easiest way to reach the museum is by bicycle; nearby there are public bicycle parking facilities and drop zones for shared bicycles.

Service & spisesteder

• Museumsbutik
• Opbevaringsskabe

The museum has its own museum shop in the Theatrum, which can be entered without a ticket during opening hours. Lockers are free; large bags (larger than 34 x 22 cm), coats and umbrellas may not be taken into the exhibition rooms.

Arrangementer & udlejning

The museum opens on 12 December 2026.

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