The CORPUS Museum in Oegstgeest, near Leiden, Netherlands, is a one-of-a-kind interactive museum offering an unforgettable “journey through the human body.” Housed in a striking building shaped like a giant seated human figure, CORPUS is the world’s first museum dedicated entirely to human biology, health, and wellness. This innovative attraction combines education and entertainment, making it a must-visit for families, school groups, science enthusiasts, and anyone curious about how the human body works.
History of Corpus Museum
CORPUS opened its doors in 2008, inaugurated by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. The museum was the brainchild of Henri Remmers, who envisioned a place where people of all ages could learn about the wonders of the human body in a hands-on, engaging way. CORPUS was designed not only as a museum but also as a health education center, inspiring visitors to live healthier lives through knowledge of anatomy, exercise, and nutrition.
Located in the Leiden Bio Science Park—one of Europe’s leading innovation districts for life sciences and health—CORPUS also includes a congress center and event space, making it a hub for both public visitors and scientific professionals.
Attractions at Corpus Museum
- The “Journey Through the Human Body”: The heart of the CORPUS experience is the 55-minute guided tour, known as the “Journey Through the Human Body.” This spectacular tour begins with visitors entering the body through the knee and traveling upward, exploring organs and systems along the way. The route takes you through the intestines, stomach, heart, lungs, mouth, ear, and ultimately, the brain.
- 5D Heart Theater: One of the highlights, this immersive theater lets you experience the journey of a red blood cell through the heart in a dazzling 5D simulation.
- Interactive Exhibits: Along the way, you’ll see, hear, and feel how different organs work, from the digestive system to the brain’s complex functions.
- Audio Guide: The tour is accompanied by an audio guide available in eight languages, making it accessible for international visitors and groups.
- My CORPUS (Interactive Zone): After the guided tour, visitors can explore the “My CORPUS” section at their own pace. This area features hands-on exhibits, games, and experiments that dive deeper into topics like perception, hearing, happiness, and health. It’s ideal for families and curious minds who want to test their knowledge and learn more about what keeps the human body ticking.
- Special Events and Congress Centre: CORPUS also hosts health-related events, conferences, and educational workshops throughout the year, furthering its mission to promote wellness and scientific discovery.
Things to Do at Corpus Museum
Take the Guided Body Tour: Embark on the 55-minute “Journey Through the Human Body” with an audio guide.
Explore My CORPUS: Interact with hands-on displays and games about health, nutrition, and biology.
Attend Workshops: Participate in educational workshops (check the schedule for family and school programs).
Shop for Souvenirs: Visit the museum shop for unique gifts and educational materials.
Relax at the On-site Restaurant: Enjoy a meal or snack at one of the two restaurants on the premises.
Corpus Museum – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM (last entry for the body tour is typically around 5:00 PM)
Closed: Mondays (except during Dutch school holidays or by special arrangement), January 1, and December 25
Note: Always check the official website for updated hours and holiday schedules before planning your visit.
How Long to Spend at Corpus Museum
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours at CORPUS. The guided body tour lasts about 55 minutes, and the interactive “My CORPUS” exhibits can take an additional hour or more, especially for families and those who enjoy hands-on learning.
How to Get There
- By Train:
- Leiden Centraal Station is the nearest major train station, with frequent connections from Amsterdam (35 minutes), The Hague (15 minutes), and Rotterdam (35 minutes).
- From Leiden Centraal, CORPUS is about 3.5 km away.
- By Bus:
- Bus 30 (direction Noordwijk) departs from Leiden Centraal and stops at Leiden, CORPUS (bus stop “CORPUS”), right outside the museum. The journey takes about 15 minutes.
- Bus 20 and 21 also stop nearby at “Leiden, Transferium A44.”
- By Taxi: Taxis are available at Leiden Centraal. The ride to CORPUS takes approximately 10 minutes, depending on traffic.
- By Car: CORPUS is easily accessible from the A44 motorway (exit 8, Leiden/Transferium). There is ample parking available on-site.
- By Bicycle: Leiden and Oegstgeest are bike-friendly. The museum is a pleasant 15-minute ride from Leiden Centraal, with bike racks available.
- By Boat: While CORPUS is not directly accessible by boat, canal cruises in Leiden offer scenic views and can be combined with a visit to the museum by transferring to bus or taxi.
Eateries Nearby Corpus Museum
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a leisurely meal, there are several dining options close to CORPUS:
CORPUS Restaurant: Located on-site, serving coffee, snacks, and light meals—perfect for families and groups.
Brasserie Buitenhuis: A stylish brasserie with a terrace overlooking the water, offering lunch and dinner options.
Restaurant Het Pakhuis: Modern Dutch cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, just a short drive away.
Grand Café de Burcht: Located in Leiden’s city center, this café offers classic Dutch fare and is ideal for families.
Teds All Day Brunch Leiden: A trendy spot for brunch and coffee, popular with locals and visitors.
Karalis: Authentic Italian cuisine, perfect for a relaxed meal after your museum visit.
Other Attractions Nearby Corpus Museum
National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden): Discover ancient Egyptian, Roman, and Dutch artifacts.
Burcht van Leiden: Climb this medieval fortress for panoramic city views.
Hortus Botanicus Leiden: One of the world’s oldest botanical gardens, ideal for nature lovers.
Museum De Lakenhal: Leiden’s premier art and history museum, featuring works by Rembrandt and other Dutch masters.
Molen de Valk: Visit this historic windmill museum for insight into Dutch milling traditions.
Leiden Canals: Enjoy a canal cruise or stroll along the scenic waterways.
The Corpus Museum in the Netherlands offers a one-of-a-kind journey through the human body, blending education and entertainment. Known officially as The Corpus Museum, this interactive attraction lets visitors “travel” through a giant human figure, learning fascinating facts about anatomy, health, and how our bodies function.
Unlike typical science museums such as the CC Museum of Science and History or the USS Lexington Museum, Corpus Holland Museum focuses entirely on the marvels of the human body. Whether you’re planning a family trip or a school outing, the Corpus Museum NL guarantees an unforgettable experience. It stands out among attractions like the Blanton Museum of Art by immersing visitors in a living science adventure — truly a must-see for anyone curious about how we work from the inside out.