The invention relates to a laboratory centrifuge. The laboratory centrifuge comprises a base body (2). The lid (3) is linked to the base body (2) for being pivoted about a pivot axis (6). A damping device (38) damps the pivoting movement of the lid (3), in particular when the lid (3) approaches a maximum opening angle. According to the invention, the damping device (38) bases upon friction between friction elements (23, 26).