UMU - Utrecht University Museum

UMU is the museum for anyone who is curious. At this family museum, you get a peek under the bonnet of science and become a researcher yourself.

A museum for young and old where you are actively introduced to scientific research at Utrecht University and Utrecht researchers past and present. Where you are inspired and challenged to ask questions about yourself and the world around you. Where you learn to look for answers and appreciate them. And where, as a visitor, you become a researcher yourself.

Explore the mystery box

At the start of your visit, you’ll come across the mystery box. Can you work out what’s inside it? It can’t be opened, but by examining it, you’ll gradually discover more and more about what might be inside. At the end of your visit, you can vote on the outcome of your mystery box investigation.

Five interactive galleries brimming with science

In the museum’s five galleries, you’ll learn about science at Utrecht University, both past and present, and discover how research is carried out. For example, you can design a heart-lung machine, study the behaviour of monkeys and humans, or experiment with an air pump. You’ll see taxidermied animals and skeletons, eye models and historical instruments such as the Van Leeuwenhoek microscope.

Round off your visit with a nice cup of coffee in the museum café or a stroll through the Oude Hortus.

Old Hortus
The Oude Hortus is a beautiful, hidden green oasis in the middle of Utrecht. It is a lovely place to wander around and enjoy the special plants and trees. Tip: end your visit with a nice drink in the café.

This unique, historic garden is divided into several sections, including a cottage garden and a medicinal garden: the Region Garden. In addition, the garden houses many plant and tree species. For instance, one of the oldest Ginkgo bilobas in the Netherlands can be found here. This specimen is over 250 years old.

The history of Utrecht University's garden goes back a long way. Initially, the garden was laid out in 1639 at Sonnenborgh, which now houses the museum of the same name. In 1723, Sonnenborgh proved too small. The Hortus Botanicus was therefore set up on the Nieuwegracht. There, students gained knowledge about plants, especially their medicinal power.

Opening hours
UMU and the Old Hortus are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 - 17.00.
The museum café and museum shop are open until 17.30.
During official school holidays (except summer holidays), the museum is also open on Mondays from 10.00 - 17.00.

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