This established at the end of the 18th C. medical collection of pathological specimens, anomalous embryos, odd skulls and bones is used until today by the Faculty of Medicine students of the University of Amsterdam. Called after the name of its originators, 18th and 19th century anatomy professors from Amsterdam, Museum Vrolik is today one of the few museums of its kind in the world.
The collection
The museum started with the private collection of embryos and anatomical abnormalities, put together by the Gerardus Vrolik (1755-1859), one of the most important Dutch scientist of its times, member of notable group of scientists called The Dutch Mathematicians (Hollandse Scheikundigen), professor of anatomy, owner of Drakenburg castle. His son Willem Vrolik (1801-1863), professor of anatomy, physiology and zoology in Amsterdam, a scientist of European reputation, a devoted Christian and a Lutheran deacon, continued the collection. After the death of Willem Vrolik, the collection has been purchased by a group of Dutch citizens and offered to the municipality of Amsterdam, to be placed in an institution called Athenaeum Illustre, which became later University of Amsterdam.
Today, the Museum Vrolik includes specimens from other collections, added through more than a century of its existance - the last addition of 150 specimens being as recent as in 1994. At present-day Museum Vrolik has not only a historical and didactical importance. The development of the molecular research gives the specimens of its collection scientific value, no lesser then in the times of its founders.
The feel:
Grayish, old fashioned, even though located in a modern hall, a bit odd and nearly spooky. A genuinely medical collection, truly incomparable in its kind.
Not suitable for kids.
Open: Monday – Friday, 9.30 am - 5 pm
Admission: free
Guided tour for a group of up to 15 visitors is possible upon previous appointment with the Department Anatomy & Embryology of the AMC, which supervises the museum (€ 15,-).
How to get there:
The Museum is located in the Academic Medical Centre, building J, entry J10.
- by metro: exit on the station Holendrecht and walk 8 minutes
- by bus: lines 45, 46, 47 (stop AMC), walk 2 minutes
- by car: get to the AMC driving south along A2 direction Utrecht, take an exit AMC and follow the signs; park your car in one of the visitors parking lots, take the corridor on the first floor to the main building (alled level 0) get to any of the AMC receptions located at each entry – you will receive directions how to get to the museum.
Address:
Museum Vrolik
Faculty of Medicine
Academic Medical Center (AMC)
Meibergdreef 15
1105 AZ Amsterdam
Telephone: +31 20 566 49 27
E-mail: museumvrolik@amc.uva.nl
Website: http://www.amc.nl/?pid=2588
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