Saint John’s Hospital

The building was beautiful and hard to bel it was a hospital in it's day. More like a church (part of it was a monastery and the hospital was 'staffed' by nuns 100s of years ago. A lot of the displays were of art pieces from the time with a some amount of info relating to the care of patients. Well presented, though and an audio guide was available. Purchased a ticket that included the apothecary.

The Old St. John’s Hospital in Bruges truly caught my attention with its fascinating history and unique architecture. It also houses a historic pharmacy museum, adding to its charm. This ancient hospital complex offers a captivating glimpse into medieval medical care

A very nice, well preserved medieval hospital. The exhibits are organized chronically, and are quite nice. The history of the hospital and the treatment they provided are all present. The Memling exhibit was particularly fun, being able to change and customize famous paintings by yourself.

We expected more a view of how the workings of a medieval hospital were. We got a beatifull collection of art connected to the medieval medicine and care of patients. It took us more than 3 hours to follow the exhibition

3 euro for a visit. Visit duration will be short as there isn't much to see, but interesting nonetheless. You have a small hallway with attached a couple of rooms. 2 smaller rooms and one larger with the apothecary.

This is excellent. Must go in Bruges. Beautiful masterpieces on display. The building is very well preserved. Interesting history of the nurses through the ages. Thought the old equipment on display was interesting. This is included in the museum pass that lasts for 72 hours. I recommend the pass as it makes things really easy.

A must visit when in Bruges. We paid an extra €3 to visit the pharmacy- altogether, only €13 with a student card and €15 without. There was so many informative and interactive aspects to this museum. We also attended when there was an art exhibition upstairs, which was also interactive and impressive.

Saint John’s Hospital (Sint-Janshospitaal) in Bruges, Belgium is one of the oldest and most significant hospitals in the region. It dates back to the 12th century and was historically a key center for medical care. Today, it functions as both a healthcare institution and a museum, offering visitors insight into its historical significance and medical practices of the past. Key Features of Saint John’s Hospital in Bruges: 1. Historical Significance: Saint John’s Hospital is known for its medieval origins. It was initially founded as a hospital for the poor, sick, and pilgrims. 2. Museum: The hospital complex has been transformed into a museum, showcasing a vast collection of art, medical instruments, and historical artifacts related to healthcare. It houses works of art, including paintings by Hans Memling, a renowned Flemish painter of the 15th century. 3. Art Collection: One of the highlights is the Memling Museum, which is located within Saint John’s Hospital and displays several of Hans Memling’s masterpieces, such as the Saint Ursula Shrine. 4. Architecture: The hospital buildings feature well-preserved medieval architecture, with beautiful courtyards, cloisters, and the chapel still standing. 5. Medical History: The museum also explores the evolution of medicine, showcasing ancient medical tools, surgical instruments, and the practices used in the Middle Ages. Saint John’s Hospital is a great spot for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone interested in the evolution of healthcare. It combines both a glimpse into Bruges' medieval past and an opportunity to explore art and medical history in a unique setting.