Medicinsk Museion
Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.
Housed in the former Royal Academy of Surgery from 1787, Medicinsk Museion in central Copenhagen is a thought‑provoking museum where medicine, science and everyday life meet. Historic anatomical theatres, glass jars with preserved organs, instruments from early surgery and contemporary exhibitions on genetics, the gut and the measurable body invite you to explore how ideas about health, disease and the human body have evolved from antiquity to today’s biotech age.
A brief summary to Medicinsk Museion
- Bredgade 62, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1260, DK
- +4535323800
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
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
- Arrive near opening time on weekdays for the calmest experience in the smaller galleries and to enjoy the historic auditorium before it gets busy.
- Plan at least two hours if you like reading labels and exploring themes such as surgery, psychiatry or microbiomes in depth.
- Some displays include preserved human specimens and graphic medical imagery; prepare sensitive children or skip those rooms if needed.
- Check current exhibitions in advance—special shows on topics like the measurable body or gut–brain links can shape how you structure your visit.
- Combine the museum with a stroll through Frederiksstaden’s nearby churches and palaces to appreciate the area’s 18th‑century character.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Metro from central Copenhagen
From Nørreport or Kongens Nytorv stations, take the M1 or M2 metro and walk from Kongens Nytorv to Bredgade, which typically makes the total journey 10–20 minutes door to door. Standard single metro tickets within the central zones cost around 20–30 DKK, and trains run every few minutes throughout the day. This option is step‑free on the metro, but some sidewalks and cobblestones near the museum can be uneven for wheelchairs or prams.
-
City bus within Copenhagen
Several inner‑city buses run along or near Bredgade from hubs like Nørreport and the central station, with typical travel times of 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. A single bus ticket within the city centre is usually 20–30 DKK, and services are frequent during museum opening hours. Buses are low‑floor and accessible, though they can be crowded at peak commute times.
-
Bicycle from the inner city
Using Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes, the ride from the City Hall area or Nørreport to Medicinsk Museion generally takes 10–15 minutes at an easy pace. You can use personal bikes or shared city bikes, which typically cost around 15–25 DKK for a short trip, depending on the operator and duration. Bike stands are available in the surrounding streets, but you may need a short walk on cobblestones from where you park.
-
Taxi within central Copenhagen
A taxi ride from Copenhagen Central Station or similar central locations to Bredgade usually takes 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares commonly fall in the 120–200 DKK range, with surcharges in the evening or on weekends. This is the most convenient option for travellers with limited mobility, though drop‑off is on the street and short outdoor walks are still required.
Medicinsk Museion location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Medicinsk Museion
Anatomy, science and stories under a baroque roof
Step through the doors of Medicinsk Museion and you enter the former Royal Academy of Surgery, a late‑18th‑century building where generations of medical students once learned their craft. High ceilings, creaking staircases and tall sash windows set a scholarly tone, while display cases and specimen jars signal that this is still very much a working house of knowledge. The museum is part of the University of Copenhagen, and that academic lineage runs through everything from the curatorial approach to the use of the historic auditorium. The core mission here is deceptively simple: to explore how humans have tried to understand, measure and treat the body. Rather than presenting medicine as a dry sequence of breakthroughs, the museum weaves instruments, archives, photographs and artworks into narratives about touch, pain, fear, hope and control. As you move from room to room, you sense how closely medical history is tied to social change, technology and everyday life.The collected human body in jars and glass
One of the most striking experiences is the permanent exhibition that delves into the museum’s historical body collections. Shelves of glass containers hold preserved organs, bones and tissues, collected from the late 1700s onwards. Far from being a cabinet of curiosities, the display asks what it means to turn parts of people into scientific specimens, and how these collections shaped medical knowledge. Here you encounter skeletal deformities, foetal specimens and delicate histological slides, each labelled with precise, almost clinical language. Text panels and carefully staged lighting encourage quiet reflection on consent, dignity and the human stories behind each jar. The result is both visually compelling and ethically challenging, inviting you to question where the boundaries lie between research, care and objectification.From epidemics to X‑rays and psychiatric wards
Elsewhere, galleries trace the development of hospitals, pharmacies, surgery and mental health care. Early surgical instruments, heavy anaesthesia machines and gleaming X‑ray tubes sit alongside posters warning of epidemics and photographs from crowded wards. These objects show how medicine moved from home visits and barber‑surgeons to specialised institutions equipped with laboratories and imaging devices. Displays on psychiatry and public health open windows onto past attempts to manage minds and bodies on a societal scale. You might linger over instruments used for early electrotherapy, models of diseased organs or vaccination equipment from various eras. Together they reveal how ideas of normality, risk and hygiene have shifted with new technologies and political priorities, and how patients’ lives have been shaped in the process.Contemporary science: guts, data and the measurable self
Medicinsk Museion is not just about the past. Recent and rotating exhibitions explore topics such as the relationship between brain and gut, or the rise of the quantified self through fitness trackers, home tests and digital health apps. Here, interactive elements and art–science collaborations highlight how microbiomes, hormones and data flows are redefining what we think a body is. In these rooms you might see wearable sensors next to vintage blood‑pressure cuffs, or artist‑produced installations that translate heartbeats and bacterial cultures into sound or colour. The museum uses such juxtapositions to prompt questions: When does monitoring become surveillance? How do algorithms influence diagnosis? And what happens when medical devices migrate from hospitals into bedrooms and pockets?The historic auditorium and the lived visitor experience
At the heart of the building lies the original anatomical auditorium from 1787, a steeply tiered space where students once observed dissections and lectures. Today it hosts introductions, talks and performances, but the physical layout—with benches rising around a central demonstration table—still conveys the intensity of those early lessons. Sitting here, you can almost sense the mix of curiosity and unease that must have filled the room. A visit typically unfolds at an unhurried pace. The museum is compact enough to explore in a couple of hours, yet dense with detail for those who like to read labels closely or follow a particular theme such as surgery, women in medicine or the history of diagnostics. Quiet corners, atmospheric lighting and the tangible presence of real medical artefacts create a reflective mood, making this a place where you not only learn about bodies but also become subtly more aware of your own.Copenhagen context and practical visiting impressions
Located on Bredgade in the refined Frederiksstaden district, the museum sits among embassies, design galleries and historic churches. Its central position makes it easy to pair with nearby sights, yet once inside you feel pleasantly removed from the city’s bustle. Opening hours concentrate on daytime, with the museum closed on Mondays and operating slightly shorter hours at weekends, so timing your visit matters. Entry is ticketed, with discounts for students and young visitors, and occasional guided introductions are included on certain days. Cloak areas and basic facilities make it comfortable to linger, while the relatively modest size of the building ensures that the experience feels personal rather than overwhelming. For anyone curious about how medicine shapes everyday life—from childbirth and pandemics to step counts and sleep apps—Medicinsk Museion offers a compact but remarkably rich window into the medical past, present and emerging future.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
0.4 km
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
0.4 km
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
0.4 km
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
- Boutique
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
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
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
