Vrolik

Museum Vrolik is the Anatomic Embryological Museum of the University of Amsterdam. The collection originates from the splendid private collection of anatomical, zoological and teratological specimens of Professor Gerardus Vrolik (1755-1859) and his son Professor Willem Vrolik (1801-1863). There have been several subsequent additions to the collection.

Collection acquired
After Vrolik's death the collection was threatened by a public sale, but luckily it was acquired in its entirety by a committee of citizens in 1869. The collection was then handed over to the municipality of Amsterdam and placed in the Anatomical Laboratories of the Athenaeum Illustre, the forerunner of the University.

Specimens on display
The specimens on display include the private collections of Hovius (pathological bones, shown in a fine 18th century cabinet) and Grevers (a dental collection), as well as some animal specimens, both anatomical and embryological. There are also 150 specimens of congenital malformations on display, which together with a guidebook provide an overview of dysmorphology.

Due to renovation works Museum Vrolik will be closed until June 2012.