Sint-Janshospitaal
History Museums
Museums
Speciality Museums
Attraction
About
Sint‑Janshospitaal, also known as Old St. John’s Hospital, is a living museum set within one of Belgium’s most evocative medieval hospital complexes in Bruges. Founded in the mid‑12th century, the building was originally a pilgrim’s sanctuary and later expanded into a full‑fledged hospital. Today the former wards, chapel and apothecary still stand, offering visitors a tangible glimpse into medieval medicine and care. The museum houses a remarkable collection of Early Netherlandish art, most notably the masterpieces of Hans Memling – including his celebrated “Shrine of St. Ursula” – alongside a wide array of medical instruments, religious paintings and applied‑art objects that span eight centuries of Bruges’ history.
At a glance
- Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes