Berlin Museum of Medical History at the Charité: Virchow's collection

Updated on October 5, 2026

The Berliner Medizinhistorisches Museum der Charité, Charitéplatz 1 (10117 Berlin), is the medical history museum of the Charité university hospital. It grew out of the pathology museum that the physician Rudolf Virchow founded in the late 19th century and holds anatomical specimens, instruments and documents on the history of medicine in Berlin. Admission €10, reduced €5 (students, pensioners, disabled visitors). The museum recommends the visit from age 16, because human specimens are on display.

Highlights

The anatomical specimens

The heart of the museum is its collection of pathology specimens, inherited from Virchow, the founder of cellular pathology. It shows organs and bodies preserved for teaching and research. Some pieces are striking: the visit is aimed at adults and well-informed teenagers.

The instruments and the history of the Charité

The rooms trace the development of medicine, from instruments of the past to modern methods, and the role of the Charité, one of Europe's largest university hospitals, in training doctors.

Guided tours and audio guides

Guided tours are offered to adults and school groups. An audio guide in German and English is available on your smartphone, or on a device collected at the ticket desk (limited numbers).

Practical info

Tips

Admission is free for press card holders, museum members and ICOM cardholders, and with the Berlin Museum Pass (Museumspass Berlin). The museum is fully accessible: ramp, lift serving the exhibition rooms and accessible toilets; wheelchairs and walking aids are lent free of charge, and assistance animals are welcome. Prices checked in October 2026.

How to get there

Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, on the Charité Mitte campus, near the central station. Buses 147 and 123, or U5 to the central station (Hauptbahnhof). The museum is close to the north bank of the Spree, on the Mitte side.