Description
In the heart of Old Lille, the Hospice Comtesse museum is housed in the hospital founded in 1237 by Jeanne de Flandre. Passing through the porch, you enter an architectural complex where several centuries meet. The current buildings, dating from the 15th, 17th and 18th centuries, reveal an atmosphere both peaceful and steeped in history.
The sickroom, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling and panelling, bears witness to the hospital?s extensive activities, which did not cease until 1939. Further on, the chapel adorned with the coats of arms of great benefactors recalls the spiritual role of the site. The former buildings of the Augustinian nuns? community are organized around two courtyards and a medicinal garden, where one can easily imagine the use of plants in the care of yesteryear.
Since 1962, this historic setting has been the setting for a rich collection of paintings, tapestries, wood carvings, furniture and regional earthenware. The ensemble recreates the interior of a 17th-century Flemish religious house, offering an immersive journey into the daily life of a hospital community. As you explore these spaces, you'll discover a unique heritage, emblematic of Vieux Lille and its history.
