Leiden University transfers unique collection of historical objects over to Rijksmuseum Boerhaave
Lenses from Christiaan Huygens’ telescope, instruments used to demonstrate Newton’s laws, and equipment that led to the discovery of superconductivity—around 3,000 scientific instruments from the Faculty of Science at Leiden University are now officially part of the Rijksmuseum Boerhaave collection. The formal transfer took place on Tuesday, 11 February.
The collection, which has been partially on loan to the museum since its founding in 1928, consists of scientific and medical instruments and other historically significant objects. Among them are the famous telescope lenses of Christiaan Huygens, used to discover Saturn’s rings—artefacts of immense value to the history of science.
From Newton’s Laws to Superconductivity
One of the highlights of the collection is the set of devices Willem Jacob ’s Gravesande used to teach Newton’s laws to his students. He pioneered the use of demonstration experiments in academic teaching, bringing a revolutionary change to education. More recent contributions include equipment from the laboratory of Nobel Prize winner Heike Kamerlingh Onnes, who successfully liquefied helium and discovered superconductivity. His factory-like approach to research laid the foundation for what is now known as ‘big science’.
A Milestone for Science and Heritage
The official transfer marks an important milestone for both the university and the museum. For Leiden University, it ensures that these historic objects are preserved and remain accessible to the public, students, and researchers.
Sense Jan van der Molen, Scientific Director of the Leiden Institute of Physics, emphasises the importance of safeguarding this heritage. ‘Whether it’s Einstein’s letters to Lorentz, Heike Kamerlingh Onnes’ equipment, or Van Musschenbroek’s 18th-century Leyden jar, future generations should continue to experience the sense of wonder that science brings.’
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Museum director Amito Haarhuis and dean Jasper Knoester during the signing of the agreement -
Amito Haarhuis and Jasper Knoester seal the agreement with a firm handshake -
From left to rigth: Christel Schollaardt, Amito Haarhuis, Annelore Scholten, Bart de Smit (achter), Jasper Knoester en Suzanne van der Pluijm
Enriching National Heritage
For Rijksmuseum Boerhaave, these objects are a valuable addition to its collection. They enhance the museum’s narrative of five centuries of scientific discovery.
Ad Maas, curator and professor of ‘Museological Aspects of the Natural Sciences’, highlights the importance of this collaboration: ‘Leiden University has an incredibly rich scientific history. Particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries, it was among the world’s leading universities. The addition of these scientific and medical collections to Rijksmuseum Boerhaave is a great enrichment of our national heritage. By making the collection publicly accessible, the museum highlights the groundbreaking research conducted at Leiden University—both past and present.’
The museum will also be involved in rotating exhibitions at Leiden University, with a dedicated space in the Gorlaeus Building. ‘Through these exhibitions, we aim to inspire students by connecting them with the rich heritage of their field,’ says museum director Amito Haarhuis.