UMCG

UMCG

Visiting a hospital often carries a negative connotation. Diseases, injuries, and pain are common associations with medical centers. Perhaps you are visiting a family member in the hospital, or you might need to go for an examination or treatment yourself. Maybe you are here for medical work or study. Whatever the reason for your visit, there are many elements in and around the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) that can make your visit more comfortable, uplifting, or convenient.

Public Transport 

First and foremost, it is essential to travel easily to the UMCG. The hospital is easily accessible via public transport through the busstops at UMCG Main Entrance, Oostersingel, or UMCG Noord, which are directly adjacent to the complex.

Parking at the UMCG

If you're using your own transport, you can park in one of the two parking garages directly under the complex: Parking garage north and Parking garage south. Parking costs 1 euro per 18 minutes, with a maximum daily rate of 22 euros. If you have an appointment or admission, you can opt for a cheaper day or week card. Further information about parking at the UMCG can be found here. Other options include Damsterdiep parking garage, approximately 400 meters walk from the main entrance, and Boterdiep parking garage, about 500 meters away from UMCG Noord.

Facilities, streets and art

Once inside the complex, much has been done to make visitors feel at ease. In the spacious lobby, there are two cafes, a pastry shop, a flower shop, and even a small Albert Heijn. Wheelchairs are available for rent, and at the counter you can arrange for a golf cart to easily move through the covered streets. These also include a shopping street, featuring a hairdresser and a bookstore, among other things. In the Fonteinstraat, as the name suggests, stands a large fountain by artist Joop Beljon.

This is not the only art visible within the hospital. In fact, the UMCG has an art collection with around 1500 works! In addition to the permanent art adorning the halls and waiting rooms, there are also rotating exhibitions. In the Fonteinstraat, you can find the exhibition board for more information. To follow the entire art route, you can pick up a brochure at the counter in the lobby.

Grounds and surroundings 

In addition to the main hospital buildings, there are many more buildings on the premises, for example, those of the medical faculty of the University of Groningen. Students can study in peace in the Central Medical Library (CMB). Interestingly, there are two residential houses among the buildings. These are divided into apartments and are intended for family members of patients at the UMCG. Nearby, there is also a Ronald McDonald house and the NH hotel. For all accommodation options in the city you are in the right place on this website.

Looking to eat near the UMCG? In addition to the amenities offered by the hospital itself, SPIJS is highly recommended for lunch, a drink, or a fresh meal. This cozy spot is just 50 meters from the North entrance. For a dinner, you can head to Florentin, located in a characteristic, old industrial building just a few hundred meters' walk from the northern entrance.

So, if you have to visit to the UMCG, you can always keep in mind the handy facilities, the numerous artworks, accommodation options, and culinary recommendations to lighten the mood. 

Photo: By Stella Dekker (Beeldbank Groningen)