Lepramuseet St. Jørgens Hospital, Western Norway, Norway
4.0 (328 reviews) Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Ranking #12 in Hordaland Speciality Museums
Suprisingly Moving
Science and human dignity, a touching history about a disease which has had severe consequences for many people. A unique cultural monument with strong stories set in it's walls. St. Jørgen's hospital is a unique cultural monument. If you visit the museum, you cannot avoid imagining what life must have been like for the many people who have lived parts of their lives here for centuries. At the same time, you will be able to learn more about the disease leprosy and its spread in Norway, and about how a large-scale investment in research and health work put Bergen on the world map. You can join a guided tour or visit on your own to see the exhibition in the main building. Between 1850 and 1900 Bergen had three hospitals for leprosy patients and the largest concentration of patients in Europe. It's two last patients died in 1946 and the hospital closed.
Address
Kong Oscars gate 59, Bergen 5017 Norway
Mobile
Website
https://bymuseet.no/museum/lepramuseet-st-jorgens-hospital/
Working hours
Opening Hours: We-Th 14:00-18:00,
Fr-Su 11:00-15:00
Current local date and time now
Sunday, May 12, 2024, 5:31
User Ratings
4.0 based on (328 reviews)
Reviews
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5TheophaniaSeattle 5:00 PM Aug 1, 2006
Suprisingly Moving
The Leprosy Museum was on our itinerary after we came across the book "The Dark Light" by Mette Newth, which was set at St Jørgens Hospital, now the museum. Unfortunately the museum is only open during the summer months and we were going to be there right before it opened in mid-May. We decided to email on the off chance that we were wrong about the opening dates and the staff was nice enough to arrange a time we could visit even though they weren't officially open. So nice! Don't expect anything flashy--much in the museum is as it was when it was a residence for those with leprosy. You'll see the kitchen where they cooked and the cabinets where patients kept their food (that they were expected to purchase). You'll also see the church where they worshipped, their dorm rooms and the common area. All of it in amazing condition. DO expect to learn something about this mysterious diesase and the social stigma that has follwed sufferers for so long.
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5David C 5:00 PM Aug 11, 2018
Who knew?
When I think of leprosy, I never thought of Norway. But it turns out that in the 18th and 19th century, Norway had one of the world's highest incidences of the disease and western Norway was particularly hard hit. This museum is located in an old hospital for patients with the disease. Dr Hansen, for whom the disease is now named, worked in this hospital. Take the tour because your guide will provide much more detail than you'll get from reading the signage on the exhibits.
