Medical Museion (Medicinsk Museion), Copenhagen
A historic surgeons’ academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where anatomical theatres, preserved bodies and artful exhibits reveal how we understand health and disease.
Housed in the former Royal Academy of Surgeons from 1787, Medical Museion on Bredgade turns the history of medicine into an intimate, often intense encounter with the human body. Exhibitions like Mind the Gut and The Body Collected mix historic specimens, instruments, and contemporary art to explore everything from epidemics and psychiatry to DNA and the microbiome. Atmospheric wooden lecture theatres, glass jars of preserved organs, and thought‑provoking displays make this compact museum one of Copenhagen’s most distinctive science and history experiences.
A brief summary to Medicinsk Museion
- Bredgade 62, Copenhagen, København K, 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 to explore; the building has several floors and dense, text‑rich exhibits that reward slow browsing.
- Some galleries contain preserved human remains and graphic material; preview themes if visiting with younger or sensitive children.
- The listed 18th‑century building has no elevator; be prepared for stairs and uneven floors, and consider bringing a companion if you have mobility challenges.
- Check current exhibitions and any free introduction times in advance, as special shows and guided overviews add valuable context to the permanent displays.
- Photography without flash is generally allowed; bring a camera if you enjoy detailed shots of historic instruments and architectural features.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, use the metro network and travel to Marmorkirken Station on lines M3 or M4; the ride from Nørreport or Kongens Nytorv typically takes 3–5 minutes with trains every few minutes. A single zone‑2 ticket within the city usually costs around 20–30 DKK and can be bought from machines or ticketing apps. From Marmorkirken, expect a short, level urban walk on pavements; this option is suitable for most visitors who can manage a brief walk but does involve stairs or escalators in the metro system.
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City bus services
Several city bus routes run through the Frederiksstaden and Indre By area, stopping within a 5–10 minute walk of Bredgade. Typical journey times from hubs like Copenhagen Central Station or Nørreport range from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Standard city bus tickets match metro pricing at roughly 20–30 DKK for a single trip within central zones, and services run frequently throughout the day. Buses are low‑floor and generally accessible, though the final approach includes walking on cobbled and paved streets.
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Bicycle within central Copenhagen
Cycling is one of the quickest ways to reach Bredgade from most central neighbourhoods, with typical rides from areas such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro taking about 10–20 minutes along dedicated bike lanes. You can use a rental or bike‑share service; expect prices of roughly 15–40 DKK for a short ride, depending on provider and duration. Bicycle parking is usually available on or near Bredgade, but bring a lock and be prepared for busy traffic at peak commuting hours.
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Taxi or rideshare within the city
Taxis and licensed rideshares can bring you directly to the entrance on Bredgade from locations such as Copenhagen Central Station or the inner harbour in about 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares within the central zones typically range from 120 to 220 DKK, with surcharges in late evening or on holidays. This is the most comfortable option for visitors with limited mobility, though the historic building itself still involves multiple staircases and no elevator.
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
Where surgery met science in 18th‑century Copenhagen
Step inside the stately building on Bredgade and you enter the former Royal Danish Academy of Surgeons, completed in 1787 for the training of generations of physicians and anatomists. The elegant classical facade gives way to creaking staircases, panelled rooms and long corridors that still feel very much like an academic institution. Today, the spaces are filled not with students but with one of Europe’s richest collections of medical artefacts, now curated by the University of Copenhagen as Medical Museion. The building itself is part of the story. As you move between floors, you trace the path medical students once followed from lecture hall to dissection room. Layers of history sit side by side: polished wooden banisters from the 18th century, modern display cases, and contemporary installations that probe ethical questions about bodies, data and disease.The anatomical theatre and the drama of learning
At the core of Medical Museion lies its most evocative space: the original anatomical theatre. Steep, curved rows of wooden benches rise around a central demonstration table where cadavers were once dissected under the watchful eyes of aspiring surgeons. Standing here, you can almost hear the scrape of chairs and low murmur of lectures as new knowledge about muscles, nerves and organs was literally laid bare. The theatre is still used for talks and academic events, preserving a direct link between past and present medical teaching. Subtle lighting and minimal interventions mean the room feels remarkably authentic, offering a rare chance to sense how anatomy was taught long before digital screens and virtual simulations.The Body Collected: confronting preserved remains
One of the museum’s most memorable exhibitions, The Body Collected, brings together centuries of preserved human material. Shelves of glass jars hold organs, bones, fetuses and tissue samples, charting how the human body has been collected, classified and conserved for research from the 18th century to the age of biobanks and DNA. The presentation is sober rather than sensational. Labels explain why certain specimens were kept, how preservation techniques evolved, and what each collection contributed to medical understanding. The atmosphere can be intense, and some displays may feel challenging, but they offer a powerful insight into the ethical and scientific questions that arise when bodies become material for knowledge.Mind the Gut and the hidden links inside you
Another signature exhibition, Mind the Gut, dives into the relationship between brain, bowels and bacteria. Here, art installations, historical instruments and contemporary research objects sit side by side to explore how digestion, mood, identity and microbiomes intersect. You might find yourself looking at intricate drawings of intestines next to pill bottles, gut‑related technologies and creative works that translate bodily processes into sound or sculpture. Rather than presenting a single narrative, the exhibition invites you to consider how ideas about diet, stress, mental health and the “second brain” in our gut have shifted over time. It is both scientific and sensorial, making a complex field tangible through objects you can closely examine in intimate rooms.From epidemics to contemporary health debates
Beyond these headline shows, Medical Museion tackles epidemics, vaccination, surgery, psychiatry and more recent health crises. Displays on historical outbreaks sit alongside material from the Covid‑19 pandemic, such as protective equipment and testing paraphernalia, capturing how quickly everyday items can become symbols of global events. Elsewhere, cases of surgical tools, X‑ray equipment and early hospital technologies reveal just how dramatically treatment has changed. Temporary exhibitions frequently zoom in on specific themes—from dentistry to metabolism—using the museum’s vast collection of 150,000‑plus artefacts to illuminate new angles on health and disease.An intimate museum experience on Bredgade
Despite the breadth of its subject, Medical Museion remains compact and walkable. Exhibitions unfold over several floors connected by stairs, with a small shop and a tranquil historic courtyard where, in warmer months, a café serves drinks and light meals. Treasure hunts and specially designed materials make it engaging for curious older children, though the preserved specimens and graphic themes may be intense for younger or sensitive visitors. With its combination of atmospheric architecture, meticulously presented collections and intellectually ambitious storytelling, this is a museum that lingers in the mind long after you step back onto Bredgade’s busy street.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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
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
