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Hôtel-Dieu Museum: A Medieval Masterpiece

Discover the Hôtel-Dieu Museum in Beaune: a stunning medieval hospital with iconic glazed tile roofs and rich history of Burgundian art and medicine.

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The Hôtel-Dieu Museum, also known as the Hospices de Beaune, is a former charitable almshouse founded in 1443 in Beaune, France. Its stunning flamboyant Gothic architecture, especially the colorful glazed tile roofs, makes it a must-see landmark in Burgundy. Today, it operates as a museum showcasing the history of medicine and Burgundian art.

A brief summary to Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune

Local tips

  • Arrive early in the day, especially during peak season, to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the museum's exhibits.
  • Take your time exploring each room, as every corner of the Hôtel-Dieu is filled with historical and artistic details.
  • Consider joining a guided tour or renting an audio guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the Hôtel-Dieu.
  • Don't miss the Rogier van der Weyden's Last Judgment polyptych, a masterpiece of Flemish art housed in the chapel.
  • Check the Hospices de Beaune's official website for special events, temporary exhibitions, and updated opening hours.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Hôtel-Dieu Museum is located in the heart of Beaune, within the historic city center. From most points within the city center, including the Beaune train station (Gare de Beaune), it is easily accessible on foot. From the train station, walk straight along Avenue de la République towards the city center. Continue onto Rue de l'Hôtel-Dieu. The museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 1 kilometer and should take about 15 minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    The Côte & Bus network provides bus service in Beaune. Check the local bus schedule for the most up-to-date routes and times. From the Beaune train station, several bus lines connect to the city center. A single journey ticket costs €1.00 and can be purchased on board the bus. Alternatively, a day pass for unlimited bus trips costs €3.00. Get off at a stop near the city center and walk a short distance to the Hôtel-Dieu.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis are readily available at the Beaune train station. Ride-sharing services like Uber also operate in Beaune. A taxi or ride-share from the train station to the Hôtel-Dieu will cost approximately €8-€12, depending on traffic and the specific service. The journey takes about 5 minutes.

  • Driving

    If driving to the Hôtel-Dieu, be aware that parking in the immediate city center is limited, especially during peak season. Several parking lots are available within walking distance, including Parking Madeleine and Parking Louis Véry. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around €2-€3 per hour. Consider using the Flowbird app to pay for parking. There are also free parking options a bit further from the city center.

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Discover more about Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune

The Hôtel-Dieu Museum, or Hospices de Beaune, stands as a testament to medieval charity and architectural brilliance in the heart of Burgundy. Founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, the Chancellor of Burgundy, and his wife Guigone de Salins, the Hôtel-Dieu was established as a hospital for the poor and needy in a time of famine and devastation following the Hundred Years' War. The architecture is inspired by hospitals in Northern Burgundy. The building's exterior presents an austere stone facade, but the inner courtyard reveals the building's iconic feature: vibrant, geometrically patterned glazed tile roofs, a hallmark of Burgundian architecture. The four buildings surrounding the courtyard house the historic rooms, including the Salle des Pôvres (Hall of the Poor), a 50-meter-long room that once accommodated up to 30 beds. Inside, visitors can explore the Salle Saint-Hugues, which displays 16th-century Flemish tapestries, and the Salle Saint-Nicolas, a more intimate space for seriously ill patients. The chapel within the Salle des Pôvres features Rogier van der Weyden's masterpiece, the Last Judgment polyptych, a major highlight of the Hospices' art collection. The Hôtel-Dieu provided care to the poor until 1971 when a modern hospital was built. Today, the Hôtel-Dieu serves as a museum, offering a glimpse into the history of medicine and Burgundian philanthropy. The Hospices de Beaune also owns a prestigious wine estate, and the annual Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction is a significant event.

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