CORPUS

About the museum

CORPUS opened on March 14, 2008, in Oegstgeest, right on the A44 highway at the edge of the Leiden Bio Science Park. The idea of a walk-through journey through the human body came from former journalist and television producer Henri Remmers, who launched the project as its founder. Construction cost around 20 million euros, and the museum was opened by Queen Beatrix.

The eight-story building is dominated by a metal sculpture about 35 meters high in the shape of a seated human figure, visible from far away on the highway. Inside, the tour begins with an escalator into the knee and ends in the brain. Along the way, visitors pass in small groups through the uterus, intestines, lungs, heart and mouth, among other organs; light, sound and 3D effects let them experience bodily functions such as the heartbeat and breathing. The automated audio tour lasts 55 minutes and is offered in eight languages.

The journey is followed by the interactive area “Mijn CORPUS”, where experiments, games and exhibits take up questions about the kidneys, the heart or vision. For children, the CORPUS Kids Academy holds free monthly activities. The complex also includes a conference center and an adjacent hotel; the restaurant on the eighth floor offers views all the way to the coast. CORPUS had around 235,000 visitors in 2013.

Highlights

• Journey through the body from the knee to the brain (55 minutes, audio tour in eight languages)
• Sculpture of a seated human figure about 35 meters high on the A44
• Heart theater with light and sound effects on the heartbeat and circulation
• Interactive area “Mijn CORPUS” with experiments and games
• Restaurant on the eighth floor with views all the way to the coast
• Free activities of the CORPUS Kids Academy for ages 8 to 12

Permanent exhibitions

• Reis door de mens – 55-minute audio tour through a walk-through model of the body – from the knee via the uterus, intestines, lungs and heart to the brain.
• Mijn CORPUS – Interactive area after the tour with experiments, games and exhibits on organs, the senses and health.

Founded

2008

Visitors per year

approx. 235,000 (2013)

Admission & discounts

Online price depends on the date and start time; €26.95 is the standard price listed on the rates page. The Museumkaart is not accepted (private attraction); the Museumpas Leiden is valid after booking by phone. No refund for late arrival or no-shows. Parking €12.50 per car.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Wheelchairs up to 75 cm wide and 90 cm long can be accommodated; loan wheelchairs and rollators must be requested by phone in advance. Part of the tour runs on an inclined moving walkway, and in the heart theater only a side view is possible; groups with a wheelchair max. 14 people. The parking garage has no elevator to the main building – getting out at the entrance is recommended; accessible parking spaces on the side between CORPUS and the hotel. Only partly suitable for people with visual or hearing impairments; people with epilepsy or light sensitivity should seek advice in advance because of the light effects. Assistance dogs allowed (register in advance); no magnetic fields (pacemakers are not a problem).

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 6+

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Kids’ birthday parties

Recommended from age 6 – darkness and surprise effects can frighten younger children; minors only with adults. Strollers are not allowed on the tour, but babies in a carrier are. The CORPUS Kids Academy offers free activities for ages 8 to 12 on one weekend day each month; treasure hunt in the hands-on area, children's birthday parties from age 8.

Getting there & parking

Located on the A44 near Leiden, exit 8.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Restaurant with a view on the eighth floor; outside food allowed only for allergies or medical diets. CORPUS shop. Unattended cloakroom, coin-operated lockers (coins from reception).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

CORPUS Congress Centre for conferences, meetings, workshops and company outings, for more than 500 guests according to the museum; can be combined with the tour, with overnight stays at the adjacent Hilton Garden Inn.

Plan your visit