chefmaison

Visit:

Walk in Bruges – Your private guide in Bruges

As an art and history lover, the old Saint-Johns hospital dating back to the 12th century, one of the oldest hospital buildings in Europe, is one of my favorite museums in Bruges. Every tourist visiting Bruges gets at least a glimpse of the outside, but not everyone sets a foot inside. It is a museum and it shows old paintings, so many visitors immediately label it as boring, dusty, a pile of old bricks, with paintings most don’t understand any more. It being a religious institution only makes matters worse, the catholic church ranks very low in popularity polls these days, especially in Western Europe. So if tourists have to choose between the Choco-Story, the Friet-museum, the interactive Historium or the old Saint-Johns hospital, the last one will often end up at the bottom of the list, or will not even make the list of ‘have to visit’ museums in Bruges. Most tourists visiting Bruges are charmed by the old medieval cobble stone streets, the gothic palaces, the mysterious churches, the white washed stepped gable one room houses with cosy inner gardens, the beautiful beguinage, the horse carriages that enforce the medieval feel, the impressive Belfry, and of course the winding canals with old stone bridges that create a romantic view after every corner you take. It is this medieval feel of the city that is the real attraction of Bruges.

And it is this medieval feel that the Museum Saint-Johns’ hospital has retained not only on the outside which is really stunning, but even more so on the inside of the building. And yes the sickbeds from medieval times have disappeared as are the nuns in their black and white gowns, but the atmosphere is still there. Sit down on one of the sofas or recreated beds and soak in the dark, quiet surroundings while trying to imagine what it must been like 800 years ago. Take a look at the painting by Beerblock, ‘The Wards at Saint Johns’ Hospital’, who painted the interior of the hospital in the 18th century. Look closely at the other paintings that illustrate the life in and around the hospital, they tell you a lot of how the life was back then.

The museum has a totally new exhibition since the end of 2023, and is now twofold. The first part tells you the story of 800 years of care for the poor and the sick, brought to life by the beautiful works of art and medieval medical instruments. Throughout the exhibition, new contemporary works of art by world renowned international artists add an extra layer to the many testimonies of hospitality and empathy and will make your heart beat faster.

Religion and art were closely intertwined in the Middle Ages and the second part of the exhibition dives into the work of Hans Memling, one of the famous Flemish Primitive painters who worked for the rich and famous in the 15th century. Musea Brugge holds the second largest collection of works by Hans Memling, two of which are the only signed works by the artist. No less than four paintings were commissioned for the Saint Johns’ hospital. The Museum Saint-John’s hospital has seven works on show, the other two can be admired at the Groeningemuseum. His paintings show large influences by both Rogier Van der Weyden, for whom he had worked in Brussels and Jan Van Eyck. Memling was innovative as he was one of the first to paint lanscape backgrounds and is admired for his beautiful portraits.

A unique work is the Saint Ursula shrine he painted for the hospital. The shrine used to hold the relics of Saint Ursula and is built in the shape of a gothic church sumptuously decorated with wood carvings. The paintings on the shrine depict scenes from the life of Saint-Ursula. It is a world class masterpiece.

Not to be missed is the 13th century attic of the hospital with its monumental oak wood rafter (wooden roof structure), one to the oldest in Europe. Here you can discover the recently opened interactive Memling Experience, where the visitor can see details of Memling’s paintings on a huge screen and where children and adults can discover the paintings through fun interactive games on several touch screens.

The museum is very child friendly and offers something for all ages. There is a great audiotour ‘Sam’s secret’ for children starting at the age of 6 and toddlers will love the small play hospital where they can put on a doctor’s coat and take care of a bear or a doll. The museum also has a basket with tools for neurodiverse visitors.

And if you crave for more, your ticket is also valid for a visit to the pharmacy of the hospital, founded in the 17th century in the former cloister of the monks. All the furniture and recipients from the 17th and 18th century can still be found here.

The museum offers refuge from the busy everyday world, lets you get away from the streets crowded with tourists and offers a cool spot on a hot summers’ day. It is a great place to unwind and enjoy some beauty and art. Next time you visit Bruges, try something different and step inside the Museum Saint John’s hospital in Bruges to find out why I am so fond of this place!

Address: Mariastraat 38, Brugge 8000
Open: Tuesday – Sunday: 09:30 – 17:00
Tickets: 15 euro, youth 18-25 years old: 13 euro, youth 13-18 years old: 7 euro, -13 years old: free

The museum also offers guided tours of the museum, you can always contact me for more details. As an official museum guide it will be my pleasure to dive into 800 years of history and art with you!

website: www.museabrugge.be