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Museum Sint-Janshospitaal (Museum St John’s Hospital)
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Museum Sint-Janshospitaal (Museum St John’s Hospital)
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One of Europe's oldest preserved hospital buildings with masterpieces by the Flemish primitive Hans Memling and surprising contemporary artworks by artists such as Berlinde De Bruyckere and Patricia Piccinini.
The Museum Sint-Janshospitaal extends a warm welcome to all of its visitors. Step inside this 12th-century hospital and immerse yourself in the history of care (and caring). St John's Hospital is a warm place that speaks to the heart. Not least thanks to its world-famous Memling collection and other fascinating old art, the hospital collection and contemporary works, complemented by gripping stories and testimonies of hospitality and empathy. A museum that will make your heart beat faster.
Hospitality and care
Hospitality and care have been intertwined with the hospital's DNA since it was originally founded back in the 12th century. Anyone who needed care or a place to sleep was welcome there, regardless of origin or class. Today, the Museum Sint-Janshospitaal is there to welcome you. An inviting location where experience, hospitality and healing for the centre-points, as they have always done throughout the centuries.
Hans Memling
Be enchanted by the works of one of the most famous Flemish primitives – Hans Memling. This 15th-century master of hyper realistic scenes and landscapes lived and worked in Bruges and created his most important masterpieces there. Memling created four of the seven masterpieces in the museum specifically for St John's Hospital and they have been housed there since the late 15th century. We even built a monumental glass case especially to display his works. In the adjacent hospital church, you come face to face with the St Ursula Shrine, one of Memling's absolute masterpieces, which is in dialogue with Berlinde De Bruyckere's 'Liggende-Arcangelo II'. Musea Brugge's Memling collection is the second largest in the world.
Closer to Memling Experience
In the magnificent attic, whose roof structure made from oak beams is among the oldest and most monumental in Europe, you feel like you've stepped into another universe. The Closer to Memling Experience brings the wonderful works of Memling to life with hands-on tables, music and light. The interactive, audiovisual experience playfully brings children - and adults - closer to the world-famous master.
An authentic 17th-century pharmacy
Your visit to the Museum Sint-Janshospitaal will not be complete without a look inside the old hospital pharmacy and herb garden. With its authentic 17th-century interior, the pharmacy will take you on a journey into the history of the sister apothecaries.
Practical info
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Prices
Ticket Price Standard
€ 15
< 26 years
€ 13
< 18 years
€ 7
< 13 years
free
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Opening hours
Open from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed on MondaysOpen on Easter Monday and Whit Monday
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Getting there
Nearest bus stop:
502818 Brugge Olv KerkNearest station:
Station BruggeNearest parking:
Pandreitje car park -
Accessibility
Mobility
- Access paths independently wheelchair accessible
- Entrance wheelchair accessible with assistance
- Spacious, wheelchair accessible lift
- Museum wheelchair accessible
- Resting points in the museum, free folding chairs and wheel chairs
With visual impairments
- Tactile model of Sint-Janshospitaal and the surroundings
- Descriptive audio tour of the surroundings
With hearing impairments
- Audio tour in text version
Neurodiverse visitors
- Sensory kits
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Family & Children
Free for children under 13 years old
Play together:
- Children’s Hospital (+2.5 years)
In the museum, the youngest visitors can have fun in the children's hospital. They can put on a doctor's coat, examine their dolls, apply bandages, make a diagnosis using X-rays, or explore the many books.
- Closer to Memling Experience (+7 years)
In the magnificent attic at Museum Sint-Janshospitaal, you'll feel like you've stepped into another universe. Do you hear that? Splendid sounds inspired by polyphonic music from Memling's day guide you on a trip back in time. Take a seat at the hands-on table and dive into Memling's masterful universe. Using the power of your own imagination, you can make your own version of his paintings… and bring Memling to life. Read more
Available for free at the ticket desk:
- Children's audio tour: Sam's secret (+6 years)
A hilarious audio tour for children in collaboration with Het Geluidshuis. Museum assistant Sam, during his round through the museum, has discovered that he can talk to the characters in the paintings. He is happy to share his secret with you. With plenty of humor, you will explore the museum's collection.
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Schools
Primary and secondary schools: free of charge
Additional offer:
- Audio tour Sam's secret (+6 years)
- Guided tours for secondary schools: 'A Heart for Care'
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Guided tours
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Groups
Extras
- Museum shop
- Wheelchair accessible
Facilities
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Toys
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Bike parking
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Nappy-changing table
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Free toilets
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Toilets accessible
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Wifi
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Stroller accessible
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Lift
Photos: © Femke den Hollander, © Say Hey voor Musea Brugge & © Stad Brugge/Musea Brugge
Closer to Memling: closer to the master than ever before
Ready to dive into Memling's colourful universe? Discover Closer to Memling.
