Musée de la Médecine

About the museum

The Musée de la Médecine is located on the Erasme campus of the Université libre de Bruxelles, in Anderlecht, next to Erasme hospital, and is part of the ULB museum network. It presents the history of medical thought and practice from antiquity to the present day. Unlike many university medical museums, it consists mainly of art and archaeological objects rather than old instruments and apparatus.

The collections comprise more than 4,000 objects spread over seven rooms: a section on general history; more than 300 anatomical wax models from the 19th century, showing diseases, dissections and surgical practices of the past; a section “Medicine of the World”, from Egyptian magical rituals to pre-Columbian healing, with around 80 terracottas; and rare medical books from the 16th to the 19th century, which can be consulted by appointment.

The campus itself was built from 1977; a building to house the museum was added in 1995.

Highlights

• More than 300 anatomical wax models from the 19th century
• Around 80 pre-Columbian terracottas dedicated to healing
• Old medical books from the 16th to the 19th century, available for consultation by appointment
• Medicine of the World, from Egyptian magical rituals to pre-Columbian medicine
• Themed guided tours on Vesalius, Egyptian mummies and a reconstructed apothecary

Permanent exhibition

• Collections permanentes – General history, anatomical waxes, medicine of the world and old medical books, spread over seven rooms.

Founded

1955

Director

Marine Roosens

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of every month

Also free with the Carte Prof, the Brussels Card or the museumPASSmusées, for hospitalised patients and for staff of Erasme and the ULB. The museum is a partner of Article 27.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description

A step at the entrance is crossed by a removable ramp; a bell lets you call for help. The lift is narrow (75 cm clear width) and serves all levels except the two rooms with anatomical waxes; some rooms, including the wax rooms, are not accessible by wheelchair. Adapted toilet without grab bars. Wheelchairs and walkers are available at reception. Tactile and olfactory tours for blind or partially sighted visitors with a trained guide, by reservation; tour in French-speaking Belgian Sign Language on request; films subtitled; guides and documents in easy-to-read and easy-to-understand format (FALC). Assistance dogs accepted. No portable induction loop. Disabled parking spaces in the paid car park, some distance from the entrance. It is advisable to contact the museum before your visit. Access-i audit valid until April 2028.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Free entry up to age 11. Fun workshops during the school holidays and educational workshops during the school year.

Getting there & parking

By car: from the ring road, take the Lennik – ULB Erasme exit, then follow the signs towards Erasme hospital.

Amenities & dining

• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi throughout the building, according to the Access-i accessibility sheet.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 200 guests.

Conference hemicycle (150 seats), main room (200 standing or 120 seated) and the Nobel room (100 standing or 60 seated), by the half-day or the day; approved caterers.

Plan your visit