Museum Vrolik
Museum Vrolik
4.5
Monday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Museum Vrolikianum was the private anatomical collection of the Amsterdam anatomists Gerard (1775-1859) and Willem Vrolik (1801-1863). After their deaths, the collection was further expanded by other Amsterdam anatomists. The human body is the central focus in Museum Vrolik. What do we look like on the inside? What diseases did people suffer from in the past? Skeletons and wet specimens show the devastating effects of diseases like rickets (English disease), TBC and syphilis. Congenital malformations are also on display, such as cyclopia and conjoined twins. Museum Vrolik has a large collection of animal anatomy as well.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Amsterdam South-East
How to get there
- Amsterdam Holendrecht • 5 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
138 reviews
Excellent
108
Very good
24
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Dana
New York, New York, United States54 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This place has been on my bucket list for 20 years and it did not disappoint! The collection is amazing, my husband and I really geeked out. It was too bad that there was no photography allowed, but after seeing the extent of the content, I understood why. Got myself a nice little
book in the gift shop with some cool photos though. This is the perfect museum for someone who loves both art and science!!
book in the gift shop with some cool photos though. This is the perfect museum for someone who loves both art and science!!
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your lovely review! And also for respecting our photography policy, we hope you'll enjoy the book!
Written March 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lisa D
Los Angeles, CA2 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
I heard about this wonderful gem from Atlas Obscura and it did not disappoint. The medical specimens are to die for and so beautifully prepared and presented. We purchased their book as well to take some of it home since no photos are allowed. Honestly it’s the best collection of human dissections I’ve seen.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your wonderful compliment! That's really wonderful to hear. Enjoy Forces of Form at home and thanks very much for respecting our photography policy.
Written April 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AnnaNLCH
The Netherlands3,336 contributions
Feb 2020
Very interesting and educational visit. Each case has information in English and Dutch.
It was fascinating to see all the body parts and so well preserved, most more than 100 years old.
Worth the 7,50€ entrance fee. Museumkaart is not valid for entry.
Location close to Holendrecht station.
It was fascinating to see all the body parts and so well preserved, most more than 100 years old.
Worth the 7,50€ entrance fee. Museumkaart is not valid for entry.
Location close to Holendrecht station.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Anna!
Written March 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Harrovian
England48 contributions
Sep 2014 • Solo
Upon entering the darkened interior of this compact yet remarkable museum on the outskirts of Amsterdam one cannot fail to be moved by this insight into the workings of creation. For here you will find some 5000 specimens ranging from curious stillbirths to human skeletons both healthy and diseased. Animals are also well represented with specimens such as a lion's heart and a whale's eye. Row upon row of glass cases awaits your inspection, some with inscriptions, others without, though you can pick up a booklet at the entrance highlighting 50 of the most notable exhibits. This is not a museum for the faint hearted. However, if you can set aside the squeamish nature of exhibits such as sirens (a deformity reminiscent of the appearance of a mermaid) and cyclopic babies, then you will find this a memorable experience and a reminder of when diseases which can be fought off easily nowadays caused so much misery and death.
Written September 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noora L
24 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
I love anatomy museums and I have seen many around the Europe. This is the best! Vrolik has most to see even if it's just one room. At the university campus, look website for directions. Easy to get by train, and what's best, this is totlaly free. But I gladly gave donation.
Written June 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Davemc30
Perth, Australia4 contributions
Feb 2014 • Couples
Is a little bit out of the city and definatly not on the beaten track, however is a very interesting activity. If you ask the information desk in Amsterdam, outside the main train station, they are very helpful and will tell you the best means of transport to get there, we took the train from the underground exited at the stop then took a right and walked towards the hospital, were the museum is located, ask the lady at the Hospital reception and she will then point you in the right direction.
DO NOT GO TO THIS HOTEL IF YOU CAN NOT HANDLE SEEING REAL DEAD BABIES IN JARS - AS BAD AS THAT SOUNDS, THATS PRETTY MUCH THE BIG AND SMALL OF IT - ITS AN ABNORMALITY MUSEUM AND THE ARTIFACTS ARE ALL OF A HUMAN NATURE.
DO NOT GO TO THIS HOTEL IF YOU CAN NOT HANDLE SEEING REAL DEAD BABIES IN JARS - AS BAD AS THAT SOUNDS, THATS PRETTY MUCH THE BIG AND SMALL OF IT - ITS AN ABNORMALITY MUSEUM AND THE ARTIFACTS ARE ALL OF A HUMAN NATURE.
Written March 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine Zayna
Canberra, Australia7 contributions
Oct 2019
Museum Vrolik was interested, fascinating and lots of things to see. Would highly recommend this place to visit.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much, Christine!
Written January 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cynth I
London, UK39 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
Whether you're looking for something unusual or seeking to research this collection is diverse and well curated, covering animal and human specimens. A very atmospheric collection including cycloptic babies, a narwhal horn, preserved tattoos and siamese twins. This collection is incredibly old and the largest I've seen. Very impressive- and free/payment on donation!
Written September 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
docfresh
atlanta13 contributions
Oct 2013 • Friends
This is a must see for anyone interested in anatomy and congenital abnormalities. Very easy to find from the Metro line (Holendrecht stop). It is a very short walk under a covered walkway from the Metro stop to the Academic Medical Center. Tucked away in a corner of Building J is the most amazing medical display I have seen thus far in my travels.
Admission is free (donations accepted) and there was not one person in the museum aside from me. It is dimly lit, making it even more macabre. Here you will find numerous skeletons (human and animals), fixed organs, pieces of tattooed skin, congenital deformities and the list goes on...
There is a short video on the internet-- Human mutants: Vrolik museum-- to give you an idea of what is in store for you here.
They have a book available for purchase in the curator's office behind the museum. Unfortunately, as I found out, he may be difficult to find in order to purchase one.
Highly recommend this museum, but not for children! The Medical Museum in Berlin has more pathology on display, but the set up of the Vrolik is much more mesmerizing in my opinion. I would have paid 15€ to view this!
Admission is free (donations accepted) and there was not one person in the museum aside from me. It is dimly lit, making it even more macabre. Here you will find numerous skeletons (human and animals), fixed organs, pieces of tattooed skin, congenital deformities and the list goes on...
There is a short video on the internet-- Human mutants: Vrolik museum-- to give you an idea of what is in store for you here.
They have a book available for purchase in the curator's office behind the museum. Unfortunately, as I found out, he may be difficult to find in order to purchase one.
Highly recommend this museum, but not for children! The Medical Museum in Berlin has more pathology on display, but the set up of the Vrolik is much more mesmerizing in my opinion. I would have paid 15€ to view this!
Written October 13, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
krisb027
Mosta, Malta21 contributions
Feb 2020
wether you work or study anything science/human anatomy related or you just want to learn a few unusual facts this place will make for an interesting visit.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much!
Written March 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
How much time do you need to visit the museum?
Written May 9, 2022
Hi, does anyone know the opening times between the 15th of December and the 22nd of December?
Thankyou.
Written July 12, 2018
Hi, I work at the museum and we are opened on Mondays to Fridays from 11 AM to 5 PM. Hope to see you in the museum!
Written September 18, 2018
Is it open on April 3 or 4 ? I cannot find the openning days. Thank you
Written March 7, 2018
Am I right in thinking this costs 5 Euro as a 'donation' to the Museum?
Written February 10, 2017
It does if you can find where to pay it. We couldn't!
Written November 21, 2017
How close is this museum to Amsterdam city centre? :)
Written June 30, 2016
It's 's about 20-30 mins on a train!
Written July 1, 2016
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