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St. George's Hospital Museum
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St. George's Hospital Museum in Bergen, also known as the Leprosy Museum, is one of the best-preserved historical hospitals of its kind in Europe. The hospital was originally founded in the 15th century and served for centuries as a refuge and treatment center for leprosy patients. The current wooden buildings date mostly from the 18th century following a devastating fire. The site gained international fame through the work of Gerhard Armauer Hansen, who discovered the leprosy bacterium here in 1873, a milestone in the history of medicine. The exhibitions in the museum document not only medical research but also the daily life and social stigma of the isolated patients. Visitors can explore the simple hospital rooms, the chapel, and the kitchen, which represent a moving testimony to human suffering and medical progress. Today, the museum is part of the UNESCO Memory of the World register and serves as a memorial to the global eradication of the disease. It has valuable insights into the development of public healthcare in Norway.
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- Highlights: Bergen rådhus · Galleri Fisk · Pinsekirken Tabernaklet
- Nearby: Morvik (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | -2 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 6 | 2 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 299 | 218 | 215 | 155 | 141 | 154 | 175 | 205 | 269 | 276 | 293 | 319 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Leprosy Museum in Bergen, also known as St. George's Hospital Museum, documents the history of leprosy treatment. It can be visited during opening hours, with entry usually charged.
Typical hours
Opening hours are typically seasonal, longer in summer. Usually the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Mondays.
Photography
Photography is usually allowed in the exhibition rooms, but without flash. Please respect the sensitive subject matter.
Time needed
A visit typically takes about one to two hours. The exhibition is informative and thought-provoking.
Combine with
Combine the museum visit with other Bergen attractions like the Hanseatic quarter Bryggen or the Fløyen funicular. Both are within walking distance.
Getting there
The museum is located in Bergen city center and is easily accessible on foot. Public transport stops nearby, parking is limited.
Insider tip
Read up on the history of leprosy before your visit to better understand the exhibition. Take time for the moving stories.
Geography
Facts
- Leprosy Museum in Bergen, one of the oldest in Europe
- Dr. Gerhard Armauer Hansen discovered the leprosy bacterium here in 1873
- Current wooden buildings mostly date from the 18th century
- Part of the UNESCO Memory of the World register since 2001
- The last leprosy patients lived here until its closure in 1946
- Documents the history and scientific research of leprosy
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Sights in the town St. George's Hospital Museum (10)
Bergen Leprosy Museum🏛 museum
Museum in Bergen, Norway, about the history of leprosy in the region.
Brannmuseet🏛 museum
Museum in Bergen showcasing the history of the fire brigade.
Byparken🌳 park
Park in Bergen, Norway, with green spaces and walking paths.
Bergen domkirke
Cathedral in Bergen, Norway, dating from the 12th century.
Cannonball embedded in the wall
A cannonball embedded high in the wall, allegedly from the Battle of Vågen in 1665.
Bergen skolemuseum🏛 museum
Museum in Norway about the history of schooling in Bergen.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What does the Leprosy Museum show?
The history of leprosy research in Bergen and the lives of the patients.
When is the museum open?
Seasonally from mid-May to August, usually daily from 11:00 to 15:00.
Why is this site historically important?
Bergen was once a center for leprosy research, where Dr. Armauer Hansen worked.
Is the museum atmosphere depressing?
It is factual and respectful, but the subject matter can be moving.
Are there texts in German or English?
Yes, information is available in English and partially in German.
St. George's Hospital Museum: where is it located?
St. George's Hospital Museum is located in Norway.
St. George's Hospital Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bergen rådhus, Galleri Fisk, Pinsekirken Tabernaklet.
St. George's Hospital Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
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