Lepramuseet St Jørgens Hospital

This is a total hidden gem that should be on everyone’s shortlist of things to-do in Bergen!We (early 30s couple with no prior fascination with medical history) were going to miss it originally but ended up staying an extra day and poked our heads in because it was near lunch. It ended up being in the top 2 things we did over 4 days in Bergen (the other being the gondola/hike on Mt Ulriken)The 3 staff members we met were all super knowledgeable, friendly, and went out of their way to be helpful; we even got an impromptu tour and Q&A session from a lovely lady when we walked in!My fiancé and I did the tour at our own pace, but kept coming up to each other going “Omg did you get to #14 yet? Can you believe it?” and “did you know ____?! That’s wild!” and “I never thought about ___ before but that totally makes sense.”

Fantastisk museum og en veldig sterk opplevelse. Vi fikk en veldig god guidet omvisning. ekstra kudos til guiden vår Thomas som gjorde en fenomenal jobb!

Interesting museum on history of leprosy in Norway and scientist/ doctor who the disease/ condition is named after, Hansen.

A short stroll from the Tourist Information office, this museum is a great place. Really interesting information, very well curated. We chose to visit spontaneously so we missed out on the guided tour but were provided with english translations of the exhibition pieces. Fascinating and thought provoking. Especially take time to read and reflect on the individual short biographies which really bring to life the tragedy of this terrible disease. We were also lucky to see temporary dementia and memories exhibition. Definitely worth the entry fee.

The place is nice...if you can say so! Very interesting, although the exhibition could be organised better, because as a foreigner you are basically get a book and going from room to room and read. I love to read, but I feel like it could be managed differently.

Leprosy Museum St. Jørgens HospitalAbout science and human dignity. An authentic hospital environment filled with strong stories - one of the most unique experiences in Bergen.The leprosy museum St. Jørgen's hospital is a distinctive cultural monument. If you visit the museum, you will not be able to avoid imagining what life must have been like for the many people who over several centuries have lived parts of their lives here. 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 go on your own in the permanent exhibition in the main building.A unique cultural monument that makes an impressionSt. Jørgen Hospital has had its place in the cityscape since the early 15th century, but after several major city fires there is nothing left of the medieval hospital. The buildings that stand here today are all listed and form a well-preserved hospital environment from the 18th century. The church and the main building with bedrooms and kitchen have largely remained unchanged since the last two residents died in 1946, after having lived here for over 50 years. Perhaps, like many of the museum's former guests, you will find that walking around the now empty rooms is a gripping and thought-provoking experience.From oblivion to fameThe history of leprosy in Norway is probably in many ways a little-known part of our national history, but at the same time many visitors from all over the world find their way to the museum. Both local and international guests are touched by the many individual destinies that are brought out of oblivion through printed sources and archive material. The hospital's archives are part of the Leprosy Archives in Bergen, which are on UNESCO's Memory of the World programme. If you don't already know, you will discover that the museum also conveys a famous scientific story.A medical breakthroughIn 1873, the Bergen doctor Gerhard Armauer identified Hansen's leprosy bacillus. This represented an international breakthrough, not only for leprosy research, but in medicine in general. Discovery of the leprosy bacillus has been able to enjoy international fame for well over 100 years and even today Hansen is one of the most famous Norwegians in the wider world. Did you know that in many countries the disease is referred to as Hansen's disease instead of leprosy?Illness and stigmatizationThe story of leprosy is not only about medicine and science, but also about social conditions and social relations. Leprosy is a disease that, right from the Middle Ages until today, has had major consequences for those who have been affected, and prejudice and stigmatization are still a challenge in countries where the disease is still widespread.Everything you didn't know you wanted to know or reflect onDo you think that a visit to the Leprosy Museum is only for the specially interested? It is perhaps true that the story of St. Jørgen's Hospital and of leprosy in Norway can be said to be a narrow and almost exotic part of our relatively recent past, but at the same time it is a rich and exciting story that goes straight to the core of the development features in Norwegian society up to and including the 19th century. Are you interested in science and research, ethics and human rights, the relationship between the individual and society, isolation or stigma? Do you like to see new connections and delve into the many nuances of history? Then this museum is perfect for you!Tour or go on your own?You can choose whether you want to go on your own or book a place on a guided tour. In any case, we always greatly appreciate conversations and discussions with interested and engaged visitors.For the Science and Human Dignity tour, you can buy tickets hereThe tours last about 45 minutes and usually also include entrance to St. Jørgen church.

Et lite og oversiktlig museum. Var nok blitt en god del bedre enn sist jeg var der i 1999. Hyggelige guider som tok seg ekstra av to vitebejærlige eldre damer med spesiell interesse for historie. Museet har enda større potensiale, men det krever nok mer romslige økonomiske rammer. Stusset litt over at teksten på noe gjennomsiktig stoff som hang i en del av pasientrommene var på svensk.

Super interesting guided visit and museum to understand an important part of Bergen's history.

Nice museum showing an interesting, somewhat niche slice of history. Would not recommend if you're squeamish about graphic depictions of of people with advanced leprosy.

Very interesting; highly recommended if you are interested in 'dark tourism'. The stories about individual patients are especially interesting. Knowledge of Norwegian is certainly recommended, although you can carry around a copy of explanations in English.