New exhibition Rijksmuseum Boerhaave: Unseen. Inequality in Medicine

The exhibition Unseen. Inequality in Medicine is now open at Rijksmuseum Boerhaave. For centuries, medical science has been based on a single standard: the male body. As a result, women and gender-diverse individuals have been overlooked, both literally and figuratively, with serious consequences for their health. Many women still face misdiagnoses, have their pain taken less seriously, and are underrepresented in medical research. This exhibition explores how these inequalities developed and poses a crucial question: how do we build a more equitable healthcare system?

With a mix of historical objects, groundbreaking medical insights, and contemporary art, Unseen sheds light on gender bias in medicine. From a historical gynecological examination chair to the influence of feminist pioneers like Aletta Jacobs, the exhibition reveals how medical knowledge has been shaped and what is needed to create fair healthcare for all.

The exhibition is on view until March 8, 2026, at Rijksmuseum Boerhaave in Leiden. Read more about the exhibition and plan your visit via this website.

As part of the exhibition, Rijksmuseum Boerhaave is also hosting a lecture series. In this context, the renowned British classicist and medical historian Helen King will give an English-language lecture on April 12th titled “The man, the woman, the talking snake and the knife.” She will base her talk on her beautiful new book Immaculate Forms: Uncovering the History of Women’s Bodies.

Find more information about this lecture, and other lectures in this series here.