Sint-Janshospitaal & Memlingmuseum: A Journey Through History and Art

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Overview

Located in the heart of Bruges, Sint-Janshospitaal, or St. John's Hospital, stands as a testament to medieval architecture and medical history. Dating back to the 12th century, it is one of the oldest surviving hospital buildings in Europe. The hospital originally featured eight wards arranged around a central structure and has been transformed to welcome visitors. The Memlingmuseum, named after the renowned Flemish artist Hans Memling, houses six of his remarkable paintings. Memling, a native of Germany who flourished in Flanders, is celebrated for his portraits and devotional art from the early Netherlandic period. Within this unique museum setting, artifacts such as antique furniture, medical instruments, and historical relics reveal the hospital's past. Explore the charming apothecary and herb gardens, and don’t miss the chapel showcasing the Shrine of St. Ursula among Memling's masterpieces. The Sint-Janshospitaal & Memlingmuseum provide a profound insight into historical healthcare and artistry, making it a must-visit destination in Bruges.

Photo of Sint-Janshospitaal & Memlingmuseum
Photo of Sint-Janshospitaal & Memlingmuseum
Photo of Sint-Janshospitaal & Memlingmuseum
Opening hours
  • Sunday 09:30 - 17:00
  • Monday 09:30 - 17:00
  • Tuesday 09:30 - 17:00
  • Wednesday 09:30 - 17:00
  • Thursday 09:30 - 17:00
  • Friday 09:30 - 17:00

Open 24/7

Contact Info
  • AddressMariastraat 38, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
  • Phone+32 50 44 87 43

Reviews

Daniela Maertens
Belgium
5
A must-visit in Bruges! The exquisite masterpieces on display are truly breathtaking. The building's preservation is impressive, and the history surrounding the nurses is fascinating. I found the old medical equipment particularly intriguing. A tip: this museum is included in the 72-hour museum pass, which I highly recommend for convenience.
Claire Dupont
Belgium
5
Definitely a must-see when visiting Bruges! We opted to pay an additional €3 to enter the pharmacy exhibit, and the total was only €13 with a student card and €15 without. The museum offers numerous informative and interactive features. During our visit, we also enjoyed an impressive art exhibition on the upper floor.
Sophie Laurent
Belgium
5
We explored the Saint John’s Hospital Museum using our Bruges Museum Day Pass. It provide fascinating insights into the history of hospitality in Bruges. A wonderful experience!
Ahmet Yılmaz
Turkey
5
Saint John’s Hospital (Sint-Janshospitaal) in Bruges is one of the oldest hospitals in the area, dating back to the 12th century. It has played a crucial role in medical care and now serves as both a healthcare facility and a museum. Here are some key highlights of Saint John’s Hospital: 1. Historical Importance: Originally a hospital for the needy and pilgrims. 2. Museum: Now showcases a vast collection of art and medical artifacts. 3. Art Collection: The Memling Museum features masterpieces by Hans Memling, including the Saint Ursula Shrine. 4. Architecture: Stunning medieval buildings, beautiful courtyards, and a preserved chapel. 5. Medical History: Exhibits ancient medical tools and surgical practices from the Middle Ages. If you're interested in history and art, this is the place to go!
Maya Leclerc
Belgium
5
The Memling experience on the upper floor was amazing! It truly brought the artwork to life. A very interesting museum overall.