St. John's Hospital Museum

From poor hospital to surprising collection

In Damme, a search for the tiniest book leads you to the Museum Sint-Janshospitaal. The beginning of a surprising journey of discovery. The hospital was founded in the first half of the 13th century at the initiative of the municipal government. The Flemish countess Margaretha of Constantinople provided support at a time when Damme was a prosperous port city.

Hospital brothers and sisters, who adopted the monastic rule of Saint Augustine, cared for poor sick people and passersby. It now also serves as a nursing home. A historical wing houses a museum with a rich collection of Gothic and Renaissance furniture, paintings of hospital guardians, pottery, gravestones, and everyday objects.

From the entrance hall, you breathe history. Copper and silver sparkle to life, the furniture speaks of the hands that have polished them century after century, and by the fireplace, we can imagine the warm fire. In the Kunstkabinet of Hinsberg, you get to know the art smith who lived and worked in this small polder town during the last century. The beautiful hospital chapel is also a lovely place to be.

Tailored for children, we offer a treasure chest and the Damme-Domino, a game that also entices less youthful visitors. Lastly, just this: insects do not belong in the museum displays, but a finely forged fly, no bigger than its living counterpart, is an exception we are willing to make.
Yes, this museum is big in small things?

Address
Museum Sint-Janshospitaal
Kerkstraat 33
B-8340 Damme
Phone: + 32 (0) 50 46 10 86
Fax: + 32 (0) 50 46 10 81

Practical information
Open
April to September
- every afternoon from 14:00 to 18:00
- on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday also from 11:00-12:00
- closed on the first Sunday in July
Admission prices
Individual: ? 1.50
Discounts for various categories: ? 1.00
Groups of at least 20 people: ? 0.75
Family ticket: ? 3.00
Guided tours: Yes, upon request
Accessible for less mobile visitors: Partially

Dromos