Medicinsk Museion (Medical Museion)
A historic surgical academy turned medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and art reveal how ideas about health and illness have changed over centuries.
Housed in the former Royal Surgical Academy from 1787, Medicinsk Museion in central Copenhagen is an evocative museum where medicine, culture and architecture meet. Behind the neoclassical façade on Bredgade, you explore one of the world’s largest medical collections: historic instruments, anatomical preparations, X‑ray machines, pharmacy interiors and contemporary artworks. Atmospheric period rooms, the preserved anatomical auditorium and research-based exhibitions trace how ideas about body, health and disease have evolved.
A brief summary to Medicinsk Museion
- Bredgade 62, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1260, DK
- +4535323800
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-4 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least 1.5–2 hours: the collections are dense, and the anatomical auditorium plus temporary exhibitions deserve unhurried time.
- Check current exhibitions in advance; thematic shows on topics like epidemics, teeth or psychiatry can shape how you focus your visit.
- Be aware that the listed building has many stairs and no elevator; visitors with mobility difficulties may prefer to bring a companion.
- Photography without flash is allowed, making it a great spot for close‑ups of instruments and architectural details.
- If you are sensitive to images of bodies or preserved specimens, start with more technology‑focused rooms before deciding how much anatomy to see.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Metro
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 or M4 metro line to Marmorkirken Station, which usually takes 3–7 minutes from major hubs such as Kongens Nytorv or København H. Trains run every few minutes throughout most of the day, and standard single tickets within the city centre cost roughly 20–30 DKK depending on zones and ticket type. From the station, the walk to Bredgade is short and flat but involves crossing city streets and cobblestones, so allow a total of 15–20 minutes including train and walking time.
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Bus
Several city bus routes serve the Frederiksstaden area from locations such as Nørreport, Østerport and City Hall Square, with typical journeys taking 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Buses generally run every 5–15 minutes in daytime and accept the same tickets and travel cards as the metro, with a single inner‑city journey costing around 20–30 DKK. Expect short walks on pavements and occasional cobblestones between the nearest stops and the museum; boarding is step‑free, but interior space may be limited at busy times.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s network of cycle lanes makes it straightforward to reach Bredgade by bike from most central districts in about 5–15 minutes. You can use a hotel bike or a city bike rental, typically priced from about 50–100 DKK for a few hours, with daily caps for longer use. Traffic is well organised but can be busy at peak hours; riders should be comfortable with urban cycling etiquette and prepared for wind and rain in less settled weather.
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Taxi / Rideshare
Taxis from central locations such as Copenhagen Central Station or the inner harbour usually reach Bredgade in 5–15 minutes, depending on traffic around Frederiksstaden. Daytime fares for such short trips often fall in the 80–160 DKK range, with supplements in the evening and at weekends. Vehicles can usually drop passengers close to the entrance, but one‑way street layouts and limited curb space mean you may be set down a short walk away.
Medicinsk Museion location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Medicinsk Museion
From Royal Surgical Academy to medical museum
Medicinsk Museion occupies a dignified late‑18th‑century building in Frederiksstaden, originally constructed for the Royal Surgical Academy. Inside, high ceilings, worn stone steps and heavy wooden doors still hint at the generations of students who once learned anatomy and surgery here. The museum has been part of the University of Copenhagen for over a century, combining active research with public exhibitions. The listed building itself is a highlight. Decorative stucco, tall sash windows and narrow staircases reflect its Enlightenment origins, while subtle modern interventions—lighting, vitrines, signage—allow the historic structure to function as a contemporary exhibition space without losing its character.A vast collection of objects, bodies and ideas
The museum cares for one of the world’s most extensive medical collections, started by Copenhagen doctors in the early 1900s and continuously expanded. Shelves of glass jars with preserved organs, early X‑ray tubes, stethoscopes, dental drills, surgical kits and hospital equipment chart a story of relentless experimentation and changing standards. Rather than simply lining up instruments chronologically, exhibitions explore themes such as epidemics, psychiatry, imaging, hospital life and everyday health technologies. You might encounter an iron lung beside a smartphone health app, or a 19th‑century amputation saw displayed next to modern prosthetics, inviting you to consider both progress and ethical dilemmas.The dramatic anatomical auditorium
At the heart of the building lies the original anatomical auditorium, designed as a steep, semi‑circular theatre inspired by European dissection halls. Wooden benches rise above a central demonstration table where bodies were once dissected in front of students, lit by tall windows and focused architectural lines. Prominent scientists and physicians have lectured in this space, giving it an almost ceremonial aura. Today, the auditorium is carefully preserved, used for talks and introductions, and accessible as an exhibition in its own right. Standing here, you sense how anatomy was both scientific practice and public spectacle.Exploring bodies, health and disease through time
Medicinsk Museion’s displays follow the changing ways societies have understood bodies and illness. Before antibiotics and anaesthesia, surgery was brutal and risky; cases document pain management with alcohol and restraint, and early attempts at antisepsis. Pharmacy interiors show rows of ceramic jars, brass scales and handwritten labels, evoking a slower, more tactile approach to treatment. Other rooms deal with infectious disease control, vaccination campaigns, mental health care and reproductive medicine. Wall texts and carefully chosen objects highlight how medical advances are entangled with politics, social norms and everyday life, encouraging reflection rather than simple celebration of progress.Art, contemporary science and sensory experiences
The museum is also a place where art meets biomedical research. Temporary exhibitions and installations translate topics like genetics, microbiomes or chronic illness into visual and sensory form. Unusual materials, soundscapes and interactive elements draw attention to experiences of living with disease, not just the technologies designed to treat it. Smaller rooms and cabinets invite slow looking: the sheen of polished brass, the cloudy translucence of old glass, the faint smell of wood and paper. Labels often include conceptual questions, nudging you to think about what we choose to preserve, what we throw away and how collections shape medical memory.Planning your visit inside a historic building
The museum spans several floors connected by staircases, some without handrails, and there is no elevator or wheelchair lift due to the building’s protected status. Exhibitions are relatively compact, making it easy to explore at your own pace, and free short introductions in both Danish and English are frequently offered. A small shop near the entrance sells books, posters and postcards related to medicine, anatomy and design. Photography without flash is permitted, and staff are trained to support guests with hidden disabilities, including through the Sunflower program and an autism‑friendly visiting guide. Allow unhurried time: the density of objects and ideas rewards a thoughtful, lingering visit.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Larsens Pl.
0.3 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
St. Paul's Church
0.4 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
I am Queen Mary
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A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.4 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
Horn mine
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A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.
Our Fallen
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A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.5 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.7 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.7 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.7 km
A towering tribute to Admiral Huitfeldt's heroic last stand at sea, crowned with Victory.
Kongens Nytorv
0.7 km
Discover Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and easy access to Nyhavn and Strøget for an unforgettable experience.
Langelinie Park
0.7 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront where history, art, and nature converge along the harbor.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
0.7 km
Discover the Monument to Denmark's International Activities in Kastellet: A historical landmark celebrating Denmark's global contributions since 1948.
The King's Garden
0.8 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of The King's Garden, a historical park in Copenhagen surrounding the majestic Rosenborg Castle, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.9 km
Copenhagen's iconic curved 'kissing bridge' where innovation meets the Inner Harbour.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bredgade Kunsthandel
0.1 km
Refined contemporary art gallery on Copenhagen’s Bredgade, where Danish and international works unfold in bright, minimalist rooms just steps from royal and design landmarks.
Designmuseum Danmark
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s temple of design, where rococo halls, iconic Danish chairs and a tranquil garden reveal how beautifully made objects shape everyday life.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.1 km
Explore the evolution of design at Copenhagen's premier museum, housed in a historic rococo building.
Frederik's Church
0.2 km
Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen offers seven centuries of world-class art in luminous galleries, from old masters to Danish modern icons and contemporary innovators.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.2 km
Step behind the facades of Copenhagen’s royal square to explore intimate apartments, glittering gala halls and Fabergé treasures at Amalienborg Palace Museum.
Amaliegade
0.2 km
A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.
Amalienborg
0.2 km
Discover the majestic Rosenborg Castle—home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, regal interiors, and lush gardens—offering a journey through centuries of royal Danish history.
Rytterstatuen
0.2 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Nyboder
0.3 km
Historic naval home preserving four centuries of Danish maritime family life in a single yellow row house.
Amaliehaven
0.3 km
A small but beautifully composed waterfront garden weaving royal vistas, sculpture, and harbor views into a calm green oasis in central Copenhagen.
Springvandet i Amaliehaven af Arnaldo Pomodoro
0.3 km
A dramatic bronze fountain at the heart of Amaliehaven, where modern sculpture, royal views and harbor breezes meet in a tranquil geometric garden.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.4 km
Go underground beneath Churchill Park to follow five real lives through Denmark’s World War II occupation, in an immersive museum of resistance, choices and courage.
St Alban's Church
0.5 km
Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
Bredgade 18
0.5 km
A quietly elegant address on Copenhagen’s grand Bredgade, surrounded by Frederiksstaden’s mansions, churches and design showrooms in the heart of the city.
Gefion Fountain
0.5 km
Copenhagen’s creation myth cast in bronze, the Gefion Fountain hurls goddess, oxen and water into a powerful tableau beside the harbour and Churchillparken.
Essential places to dine
Aoc
0.4 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Rebel
0.4 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Kokkeriet
0.5 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Restaurant Vita
0.5 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.5 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Den Lille Fede
0.6 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.6 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Goldfinch
0.6 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Cap Horn
0.6 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Skipperkroen
0.6 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Bistro Royal
0.7 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Khun Juk
0.7 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.7 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Alouette
0.7 km
One‑Michelin‑star Green Star dining in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, where hyper‑seasonal Nordic tasting menus meet quietly striking design by the King’s Garden.
Frank
0.7 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.2 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
The Crown souvenir
0.3 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
The Wilde Shop
0.6 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Zane
0.6 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Maritime Antiques &
0.6 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Copenhagenglass
0.7 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.8 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Viking Souvenirs
0.8 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.8 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.8 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Storm - design art fashion
0.8 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.8 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Magasin du Nord
0.9 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.9 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Norse Projects
0.9 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
0.3 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.7 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar Deco
0.7 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Brønnum
0.8 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Balthazar
0.8 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
Trykbar
0.8 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
1105
0.8 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
The Moose
0.9 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.9 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Charlie's Bar
0.9 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Gejser Bar
1.0 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Balderdash
1.1 km
Copenhagen’s candlelit cocktail laboratory in a 1732 townhouse, where hygge, art and daring seasonal drinks turn a quiet side street into an unforgettable night out.
K-Bar
1.1 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Bar'Vin
1.1 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
0.5 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Lusso
0.8 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
The Zoo
0.9 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Arch
1.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
1.4 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Chateau Motel
1.4 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.4 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Operaen
1.4 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
Rumors
1.5 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.5 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
1.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
1.5 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
1.6 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Cosy Bar
1.7 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Quirky
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
