Virchow: Bibliothek
Virchow-Bibliothek (Virchow Library) refers to the historic book and document collection of Rudolf Virchow, the founder of cellular pathology. Once a central part of the Berlin Medical Society
Whether you are a medical historian tracing the roots of epidemiology, a Charité student cramming for the Physikum , or a tourist fascinated by the macabre beauty of antique anatomy, the is a destination that delivers. It stands as a testament to Rudolf Virchow’s greatest belief: that medicine is a humanistic science, rooted in the past but always looking toward the future.
Virchow-Bibliothek refers to the private and professional book collection of Rudolf Virchow, the "father of modern pathology." While parts of his legacy are preserved in Berlin, the library itself is a significant example of "lost" or displaced cultural heritage from World War II. The Historical Collection Total Volumes: Historically consisted of approximately 12,689 volumes
Medizinische Bibliothek - Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin virchow bibliothek
(all cells come from cells) is featured on the library's official bookplates. Post-War Displacement and Current Status
Try these databases (access may require university login):
The (officially known as the Medizinische Bibliothek der Charité – Campus Virchow-Klinikum ) serves as the Zentralbibliothek (central library) of Europe's largest university clinic , the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin . Located in Berlin's Wedding district at Augustenburger Platz 1, it stands as a cornerstone of modern European medical research, education, and practice. Named in honor of the pioneering German physician and pathologist Rudolf Virchow, the facility bridges iconic 19th-century medical heritage with cutting-edge, 21st-century digital information design. Architectural Design and Infrastructure Located in Berlin's Wedding district at Augustenburger Platz
In the heart of Berlin, nestled within the sprawling campus of the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, lies a sanctuary that is as much about the history of medicine as it is about its future. The (Virchow Library) is not merely a repository of books; it is a monument to rational thought, a time capsule of pathological discovery, and a vital hub for modern medical research.
Contrary to the assumption that a historical library is outdated, the Virchow Bibliothek subscribes to over 3,000 current e-journals (including NEJM, The Lancet, and Nature Medicine). It provides access to UpToDate, Cochrane Library, and a dedicated digital archive of Charité dissertations dating back to 1710.
It is an indispensable resource for medical students and doctoral candidates at the Charité. How to Use the Library (2026) If you are planning to visit or use the services: Bring your ID/Passport. Once registered
To walk through its doors is to step into the living memory of medicine.
💡 One known paper: "The Virchow Library of the Charité – a medical history collection in transition" – published in Journal of the Medical Library Association or similar German journals like Bibliotheksdienst or Zentralblatt für Bibliothekswesen .
Students and visiting clinicians locate items through the Primo Library Portal, Charité's unified online public access catalog (OPAC). The portal provides real-time information on shelf locations, textbook availability, and links to remote-access PDFs.
If you do not have a library card, go to the in the main lobby area. Bring your ID/Passport. Once registered, you will receive a user number.