Leiden anatomical theatre

The theatre was started on the initiative of Pieter Pauw, then professor of anatomy at Leiden University.

As there was no teaching in the summer, the theatre was used to display various curiosities including human and animal skeletons, ancient Egyptian mummies and Roman antiquities, and many other unusual objects from different parts of the world.

[2] As a result the theatre, at a time the only in Europe north of the alps, became a significant tourist attraction.

[3] The reconstruction at Rijksmuseum Boerhaave is based on manuscripts and prints from the Leiden anatomical theatre from 1610; the skeletons are of a more recent date.

The University Room at Museum De Lakenhal in Leiden also features objects from the anatomical theatre.