Universiteitsmuseum

About the museum

The museum goes back to the rector A. G. Roos, who in 1932, following the example of Leiden and Utrecht, had a collection on university history assembled. Professors and alumni donated portraits, instruments and documents; in 1934 the museum opened in the Corps de Garde on the Lopende Diep. The Second World War forced its closure in 1944, and in 1949 it reopened in the attic of the Academy Building.

Since 1987 the museum has been housed in the former University Library building. Its staircase with a colourful stained-glass window remains part of the tour to this day. In 2003 it took over the holdings of the closed Gerardus van der Leeuw Ethnological Museum and of the Anatomical Museum. After conversion and extension, the museum reopened on 3 June 2004; the entrance moved to the Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat at that time.

The collection covers almost four centuries of the history of science and is constantly growing, for example through instruments from dissolved laboratories. On display are stories of researchers from Petrus Camper to the Nobel laureate Ben Feringa, an Anatomical Theatre with specimens, and the consulting-room furnishings of Aletta Jacobs, the first female student in the Netherlands. The museum belongs to the Dutch Canon network.

Highlights

• Masterminds: eight Groningen scientists and their discoveries
• Anatomical Theatre with around 50 specimens and Vesalius atlas of 1555
• Aletta Jacobs Room with travelling trunk and personal belongings
• Audio tour as a radio play and interactive tour with quiz
• Mural of the astronomer J. C. Kapteyn at the entrance

Permanent exhibitions

• Masterminds. De Geschiedenis van de Groningse Universiteit – Using eight leading minds of Groningen research, the exhibition tells how science developed from the founding of the university to nanomotor research, and lets visitors experiment for themselves.
• Anatomisch Theater – Around 50 specimens in alcohol, skeletons and Vesalius's atlas of the human body (1555) recall anatomy in the 17th century. The room is closed from 8 November to about mid-December 2026 for redesign.
• Aletta Jacobskamer – The reconstructed consulting hour of the first Dutch female student shows personal belongings such as her travelling trunk and sheds light on the history of women's emancipation.

Founded

1932

Operated by

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

Admission & discounts

Free with the Museumkaart, Stadjerspas and for employees of the university and UMCG. Tickets at the desk or online.

Accessibility

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

Assistance dogs are always welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Tracking tours and puzzles, in the northern region's holidays a craft and experiment workshop, lab workshops (e.g. making shampoo or slime) and children's birthday parties with two experiments, about 1.5 hours.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the centre of Groningen and is easy to reach by bike.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit