Journey into the Past: Secrets and Treasures of the Hospital of St. John in Bruges

The Hospital of St. John in Bruges is not just a building, but a real monument to medieval medicine and culture. With its halls filled with artifacts and works of art, it takes visitors back centuries. Here you can see how medicine developed, get acquainted with unique exhibits and even admire the works of master Hans Memling.

History of creation and development

The Hospital of St. John in Bruges is one of the oldest medical institutions in Europe, dating back to the 12th century. It was founded as a place for monks to care for the sick and travelers. Over the years, the hospital expanded its functions and became a complex with laboratories and scientific offices.

Historical dates with description:

• 1147: The hospital was founded as a place of help for travelers and the sick.
• 1300s: Expansion of the building and construction of a new wing to accommodate the increased number of patients.
• 1634: The first laboratory for the treatment of infectious diseases was established at the hospital.
• 1839: Modernization of the building and introduction of new medical standards.
• 1978: The hospital ceased to operate as a medical facility and was converted into a museum.

The Hospital of St. John in Bruges has preserved the unique features of medieval architecture, despite numerous reconstructions. Today it is a museum where you can see ancient medical instruments and exhibitions dedicated to the history of medicine. The building remains one of the main historical monuments of Bruges and attracts researchers and tourists from all over the world.

Interesting fact:

The hospital features works by artist Hans Memling, which he created especially for this institution.

Architecture and unique features

Over time, the Hospital of St. John became a museum, where you can see historical medical equipment and works of art. The hospital’s architecture combines elements of the Romanesque and Gothic styles, and its interiors and courtyards allow you to feel the atmosphere of medieval life in the city.

Architectural features:

• Red brick walls with Gothic arches, typical of the medieval buildings of Bruges.
• Large windows with narrow stained glass create an atmosphere of coziness and light.
• High ceilings with massive wooden beams add grandeur to the space.
• The courtyards with gardens were designed in a strict style and served as a place for patients to relax.
• Romanesque elements of the façade, visible in the ornamentation and doorways.

This object is an important architectural monument and historical landmark. This place not only tells about the development of medicine, but also allows you to see the art of those times. The hospital remains one of the main points to visit in Bruges, attracting tourists from all over the world.

Advice:

Don’t forget to stroll through the hospital’s courtyards – it’s a great place for a quiet rest and photos.

Collection and museum exhibits

The Hospital of St. John in Bruges contains many valuable collections related to medicine, art and the history of Bruges. The museum preserves the atmosphere of a medieval hospital where the sick were once treated. The exhibits reflect the development of medicine and art in Belgium over several centuries.

Description of the collections and the most famous exhibits:

• Medical collection: includes antique surgical instruments, pharmaceutical vessels and equipment used in the Middle Ages.
• Works by Jan van Eika: One of the most famous collections, including a copy of the painting “Madonna and Child” and other works by the famous artist.
• Religious artefacts: The exhibition contains objects related to the history of Christianity in Bruges, including monastic relics.
• Medieval manuscripts: rare books and records used in medical and religious practices.
• Pharmaceutical collection: is a set of antique apothecary bottles, jars and other vessels used for storing medicines.

This is where the history of medicine and art comes alive before the eyes of visitors. Each exhibit in this museum reminds us how far science and culture have come since these objects were used. It is the perfect place for those who want to learn more about medieval life and art.

Interesting fact:

In one of the museum’s halls you can see an ancient fresco depicting the process of treatment using bloodletting, which was popular in the Middle Ages.

Excursions and activities

This is a place where you can not only learn about the development of medicine in the Middle Ages, but also see works of art, including works by Jan van Eika. Here visitors can learn about the history of treatment, medieval medical instruments and learn about the life of an ancient hospital.

Excursions:

• Medical exhibit tour: visitors can learn about the development of medicine in the Middle Ages, see ancient medical instruments and equipment. The guide will tell about the treatment methods used in the hospital.
• Art Exhibition Tour: The hospital grounds feature a collection of art including the famous “Madonna and Child” by Jan van Eika.
• Thematic excursion “Medieval Life”: immersion in the everyday life of people of that time, their attitude to illness, treatment and medicine. The excursion includes a story about the lives of patients, doctors and monastics.

Events:

• Exhibition “Medicine and Art”: an exhibition featuring paintings, books, manuscripts and other objects illustrating the relationship between medicine and art in the medieval period.
• Ancient Medicine Workshops: Classes where you can learn how herbs, herbal infusions and other folk remedies were used for healing.
• Medieval Medicine Lectures: Lectures from experts who provide detailed insights into medical practices in Europe during the Middle Ages.

The Hospital of St. John in Bruges is a cultural centre that provides insight into the development of medicine in Europe. A visit to this site provides a unique insight into the lives of people in the Middle Ages and the important role of art in the history of medicine. Tours and events are interesting for both history buffs and art lovers.

Advice:

If you want to avoid the crowds, it is better to visit the hospital in the morning on a weekday.

Entertainment and interactive areas for children

This is a great place for families with children. This historic building has several interactive areas that make the visit fun for toddlers and teenagers. The Museum of the Hospital of St. John in Bruges offers specially prepared tours and activities so that children can see how medicine developed in the Middle Ages.

Entertainment:

• Interactive medical exhibits. Separate rooms for children offer exciting activities where they can try on the roles of doctors and patients, and learn about medical instruments of the past.
• Multimedia presentations. Visual and audio presentations introduce children to the history of the hospital and how people were treated in the Middle Ages, using simple and understandable methods.
• Educational workshops. In some areas of the museum, workshops are organized where children can try their hand at being artists, creating copies of ancient medical manuscripts.
• Historical costumes. Children are given the opportunity to try on costumes of medieval patients or doctors to feel the atmosphere of that time and understand how diseases were treated in the past.
• Play area with themed games. In one part of the museum there is a play area where children can play ancient medical games, which helps to better understand the historical context.

The St. John’s Hospital in Bruges offers great opportunities for children to have fun and learn in a fun and educational way. This museum is an ideal family visit, with something for everyone. Children will love learning about the history of medicine and even get to help create the historical context.

Advice:

If you want to get your children more involved, bring small medical books with you on the tour to study on their own.

Contact information, how to get there

The Hospital of St. John in Bruges is conveniently located and easily accessible by public transport or on foot from the city centre. The museum is reasonably priced and has flexible opening hours, making it easy to plan your visit. Here you can learn about the development of medicine in the Middle Ages and enjoy art without having to spend a lot of time searching and getting there.

Ticket prices:

• Adult: 12 €.
• Children (6-12 years): €5.
• Free for children under 6 years old.

Contacts:

• Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 9:30 – 17:00.
• Address: Katelijnestraat 90, 8000 Bruges, Belgium.
• Website: http://www.hospitaalmuseum.be .
• Phone: +32 50 44 46 46.

How to get there:

• Line 4, stop ” Katelijnestraat “.
• Trolleybus: There are no trolleybuses, but bus routes cover the area.
• Line 1, stop ” Katelijnestraat “.
• There is parking near the museum, but in the center of Bruges it is better to leave the car in one of the many parking lots and walk.
• On foot. From the Main Market Square (Markt) it is about 10 minutes’ walk.

This is not only a cultural treasure, but also a place where you can learn about the development of medicine in the Middle Ages. This is a great opportunity for travelers interested in history and art to get acquainted with unique exhibits. When you come to Bruges, be sure to take the time to visit this historical museum.