Museum Lepramuseet St. Jørgens Hospital (Leprosy Museum), Bergen

The Leprosy Museum in Bergen offers a profound historical insight into the treatment and study of leprosy, particularly during the significant advancements of the 19th century. Situated in the central Marken area of Bergen and managed by the City Museum, this institution stands out as one of the few remaining leprosy hospitals in Northern Europe, preserved as a hospital environment from the 18th century.

The museum is dedicated to Saint Jørgen, the protector of lepers, reflecting its deep cultural and historical significance. It became a pivotal site for leprosy research when Dr. Daniel Cornelius Danielssen took charge in 1849, fostering groundbreaking scientific developments. The most notable of these was the discovery of the leprosy bacillus by Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen in 1873, marking a significant breakthrough in medical research of the time. This discovery was instrumental in shaping the future of leprosy treatment and research globally.

Today, the Leprosy Museum not only showcases the history of the disease in Norway but also highlights the daily life of the hospital's inhabitants and the broader impact of Norwegian scientific contributions to leprosy research. Moreover, it houses part of the Leprosy Archives in Bergen, which have been recognized internationally, being included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World program.

In recent years, the museum has gained notable attention, receiving nominations for several national and international awards. This recognition underscores the museum's importance as both a historical and educational resource, offering visitors a unique perspective on a part of medical history that has had lasting global implications.