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History

From as early as the 12th century, St. John’s Hospital, one of the quintessential monuments of Bruges, was offering shelter to pilgrims, poor people and the sick. They were housed in three monumental wards which were built in the 13th century. The adjoining monastery dates from the same period. Well over three centuries later, in the 16th and 17th centuries, the convent was added. The whole edifice is one of the oldest surviving hospitals in Europe. Even the hospital grounds still have their original surfacing.

In 1864, the patients were relocated to a new complex built in the hospital grounds. The three wards with their church, formerly a single large space, were divided up in line with the new uses to which the historic rooms were put.

Restauration

Bruges and the Flemish museum world has had to wait patiently for the complete reopening and renovation of the St. John’s Hospital. Through thick and thin, it has only been possible to visit parts of the building and the art collection in recent years. Although a number of restoration campaigns have been organised for the monument in the past, it would be fair to say that exceptionally thorough restoration work has been carried out mainly in the period from 1984 to the present day. In view of the extent of the work, this has taken place in various phases, covering the architecture itself, the façades, the roofs, the attics, the floors and so on. In short, every aspect has been included.

Museum

For the first time too, the entire monument has been fitted out with a view to its use as a museum, with the partition walls being removed so that the wards can reassume their monumental stature.

In the former monastery, a 17th century dispensary can now be discovered. The two beautifully restored attics are also worth a visit.

The site of the very first entrance, on the Mariastraat, has now been turned into a new reception area leading straight off the street.

The museum, which had an international reputation right from its early days, has had a long and tortuous history. As early as 1839, scores of art-lovers were able to visit a small hall in the nunnery. But what makes this museum so unique are its hospital furnishings, purchased over the centuries and largely preserved to the present day. The link between monument, artworks and grounds is exceptional, and the variety of things to be seen impressive

The museum’s arrangement has been completely redesigned: the objects on display offer a thematic account of life in the building from the Middle Ages to the end of the 18th century. In the church and the Cornelius Chapel, the 15th century masterpieces of Hans Memling are presented. This is a museum of enormous appeal.

Collection

The museum’s architecture has been completely purpose-designed, in harmony with the monument, which is now being put to sensible use on a permanent basis, and with the atmosphere of the building and its furnishings.

The museum provides a picture of care for the poor and the sick in the past. It is here that AZ Sint-Jan originated - a modern hospital today, but also one with a 900-year history behind it.