Anatomical Theatre
Start your visit to Rijksmuseum Boerhaave in the Anatomical Theatre. Watch the introductory film and discover in 7 minutes what science (and the museum) is all about: curiosity, courage, creativity and perseverance.
Please note! Due to construction work on Tuesday, February 24th, the Anatomical Theatre, the first two exhibition rooms of the museum and the "Unseen" exhibition will be closed to the public. The museum will also be less accessible that day. The elevator and accessible restroom will be out of service. The stairlifts will be available for use.
About the Anatomical Theatre
There are display cases full of special objects around the Anatomical Theatre. Together they form an impressive cabinet of curiosities. Just like in the seventeenth century, the Anatomical Theatre is not only a place for anatomical education, but also a place where you can enjoy the wonderful and unknown.
Unique in the Netherlands
The Anatomical Theatre in Rijksmuseum Boerhaave is the only one in the Netherlands. It is an exact copy of the theater that Leiden University opened in 1594. The bodies of hanged criminals were dissected here a few times a year by the anatomy professor. These sessions lasted several days and the audience consisted of students, surgeons and curious citizens who paid an entrance fee. For understandable reasons the dissections took place in the winter. During the summer, visitors admired objects from other countries and worlds unknown to them.
