Hôtel-Dieu Museum – Hospices De Beaune

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Hôtel-Dieu Museum – Hospices de Beaune www.hospices-de-beaune.com

SYNOPSIS

An original hospital institution since 1443

• A charitable organization • A new cycle • Heritage and wineries

Discovery of the Hotel-Dieu Museum • A palace for poor people • Circuit of visit The Court of Honour The Salle des Pôvres Kitchen and pharmacy The Polyptych of the Last Judgement The Cultural Shop

Rental of spaces within the Hotel-Dieu

Practical Information

Contacts

Hôtel-Dieu Museum – Hospices de Beaune www.hospices-de-beaune.com

An original hospital institution since 1443

The history of the Hospices Civils de Beaune began in 1443 with the will resolve of Nicolas Rolin and Guigone de Salins to build a hospital: the Hôtel-Dieu. The founders did their part as patrons, thus establishing a tradition that allowed the Hospices de Beaune to cross centurys in exceptional conditions.

Preserved in a remarkable state of conservation, the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune is a rare testimony of the civil architecture of the Middle Ages.

• A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION

In the aftermath of the Hundred Years' War, Beaune suffered misery and famine. To redeem guarantee their salvation, the Chancellor and his wife decided to create a Hospice (hospital) for the «Pôvres», as one third of the city’s inhabitants were without ressources. They endow it with an annual rent, thanks to salines, the local vines and additional resources. In 1452, the Hôtel-Dieu welcomed his first patient. Fom then until the 20th century, the “Dames hospitalières” of the Hospices de Beaune, “pious and good-mannered” women, take care of the sick. The Hôtel-Dieu quickly acquired a great reputation; initially thought for the poor, it was also nobles and bourgeois included who succeeded each other. Through their donations, they have made it possible to enlarge and beautify the hospital and to constitute a treasure trove of works of art. Thus the Hotel-Dieu has finally become a real « Palace for poor peoples». His medical functions were transferred out of he heart of the city in 1971.

• A NEW CYCLE

When the Philippe le Bon Hospital opened its doors in 1971, it was a « pilot test hospital », that is to say a model of construction for 10 future hospitals turned toward modernity and humanization.

Today, a new cycle has begun: the hospital must constantly reinvent itself to meet the new requirements of modern hospital standards and adapt to current safety standards. A new building was created in 2018. It is an important first step in the project to expand and restructure the Beaune Hospital Centre in order to provide the best possible management of patients and users of the area.

Today, the Hospices Civils de Beaune brings together the hospitals of Beaune, Arnay-Le-Duc, Seurre and Nuits- Saint-Georges. The Philippe le Bon hospital in Beaune is the support establishment of the Groupement Hospitalier du Territoire du sud Côte-d'Or.

• HERITAGE AND WINERIES

The originality of this hospitaller institution is situated in the importance and nature of its heritage consisting on the one hand of a historical monument « the Hôtel-Dieu » and the other hand of two prestigious wineries, independently managed and offering the best appellations of Burgundy : the domain of Hospices de Nuits –Saint Georges and the domain of Hospices de Beaune.

The vines exploited come from donations and bequests from generous benefactors of the region mainly. Their production is marketed annually at auction. The sale of the wines of the Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges takes place on the second Sunday of March, while the sale of the wines of the Hospices de Beaune takes place every third Sunday of November. The proceeds from the sale of one of the auctioned wine pieces, the charity coin, are donated annually to an association charity. Thanks to its exceptional heritage, this hospital plays a leading role in the territory’s area’s major activities: tourism and wine.

Hôtel-Dieu Museum – Hospices de Beaune www.hospices-de-beaune.com

The discovery of the Hôtel-Dieu museum

• A PALACE FOR « POOR PEOPLE »

The influence of the architecture of Northern Europe is found in the composition of the buildings of the Hôtel-Dieu.These influences seem to have their origin in the multiple stays that Nicolas Rolin in Flanders a region then subject to the autority of the Duke of Burgundy. It was in Brussels that the chancellor met the painter Rogier van der Weyden, to whom he commissioned the polyptych of the Last Judgement. However, for the construction of his Hôtel-Dieu («great work»), Nicolas Rolin called on Beaunois craftsmen. Jean Rateau, master mason and Guillaume La Rathe, master builder of the arrow.

The imposing slate roof of the street building was restored between 2007 and 2009 and the ridge spikes redoubled with the sheet. The entrance, marked by the spire rising to almost 50 meters from the ground, is protected by a remarkably decorated awning.

• THE VISIT CIRCUIT

In the heart of downtown Beaune, from the Place des Halles, the entrance to the Hôtel-Dieu is through a portal highlighted by a daring awning. This huge stone vessel, covered with an imposing slate roof, houses the famous hall of the Pôvres. Glazed tiled roofs, with geometric motifs and flamboyant colours, punctuated by large dormers, adorn the buildings on the inner courtyard “the Courtyard of Honour”.

Constantly maintained and preserved, the Hotel-Dieu is a rare example of the civil architecture of the late middle Ages. Its rooms retain a remarkable collection of furnitures, daily objects and medicine, and works of art from the 15th century, including the famous polyptych of the Last Judgement, a masterpiece by Rogier van der Weyden, commissioned by Nicolas Rolin.

Since 1982, the complex of buildings distributed around the courtyard of honor no longer welcomes any sick and the Hotel-Dieu, became protected historical monument and jewel of medieval Burgundian architecture, and currently receives more than 400,000 visitors per year: faithful to the hospitaller tradition, It is open every day without exception.

Hôtel-Dieu Museum – Hospices de Beaune www.hospices-de-beaune.com

THE COURT OF HONOUR

The courtyard of the Hôtel-Dieu certainly offers the most famous image of the Hospices of Beaune: the roofs covered with polychrome tiles in terracotta glaze that draw extraordinary geometric figures.

The two wing rooms are surmounted by multiple dormers whose sculptures and lead decorations constitute real works of art. Two superimposed galleries allowed the sisters to provide their service sheltered from the weather. Their warm polychrome of wood and terracotta contrasts with the opposite wing.

Indeed, the building overlooking the street is built of ashlar stone and covered with an imposing slate roof. If today it seems sober and austere, in the fifteenth century, these materials were much more noble than the wood and the tiles of the inner courtyard. In the middle of the courtyard, the well is a fine example of the elegance of gothic ironwork. It provided water for the hospital.

THE “SALLE DES PÔVRES”

By the will of the founders there reigns a serenity that cannot leave insensibles. Inaugurated on 31 December 1451, it has retained its impressive original dimensions of 50m long, 14m wide and 16m high. On each side of the room, the beds closed by thick curtains in red wool sheets allow two patients to be installed.

Stained glass windows and other wall decorations display the monogram of Nicolas Rolin and Guigone de Salins. The motto "Seulle " which accompanies them means that Guigone was the only lady of her husband’s thoughts. Above the large gate is a remarkable Christ in the Links dating from the end of the 15th century and carved in the same oak barrel.

The chapel is an integral part of the Salle des Pôvres and symbolizes the perfect symbiosis between the religious and medical aspect of the Hôtel-Dieu, since it allowed boarders to attend the services without having to move.

It is here originally, that the altarpiece of the Last Judgment was exhibited. It is in this chapel that the remains of Guigone de Salins are buried under a simple bronze plate.

Hôtel-Dieu Museum – Hospices de Beaune www.hospices-de-beaune.com

THE KITCHEN

The kitchen worked with modern equipment until 1985 for residents of the retirement home. Today it has regained its 20th century appearance with its piano: a large furnace equipped with two hot water taps called «swan necks». The vast Gothic fireplace remains the centerpiece, which has retained its period accessories. Its hearth is lined with the famous tiles of the motto «Seulle ». The cromale, large articulated stem, makes it possible to bring closer or to distance the cauldrons in and out from the fire.

The most spectacular feature is the 1698 brushed steel spindle, animated by a small automaton, «Messire Bertrand». This one is in traditional costume: big soft boots white top-of-shoes, red leotard with golden buttons and white cap with raised edge. He turns the crank constantly watching over the activities of the kitchen.

THE PHARMACY (THE APOTHECARIE)

In the middle Ages, each hospital had its own pharmacy since there was no organized production. Pharmaceutic science was still in its infancy and used the most diverse ingredients from the mineral, animal and plant world. Many plants were grown on site in the so-called “singles” garden at the back of the pharmacy. In the pharmacy, the shelves present a collection of 130 earthenware pots dated 1782, in which were kept pomades, oils, pills or syrups. Glass jars still contain “specific” elements, some of which are dubious…: pill bug powder, crayfish eyes, nux vomica powder, property elixir…

The Hotel-Dieu is part of the Hotel-Dieu is part of the “European Network of Hotels-Dieu and Apothecaries” (www.apothicaireries.eu).

Hôtel-Dieu Museum – Hospices de Beaune www.hospices-de-beaune.com

THE POLYPTYCH OF THE FINAL JUDGMENT

Commissioned by Chancellor Rolin, this 15th century polyptych is attributed to the Flemish artist Rogier Van der Weyden. Representing the Last Judgement, it was originally hung above the altar in the chapel and was only open to be viewed by the sick on Sundays and holidays.

This masterpiece is now on display in a room specifically designed for him where he is protected from light influences and temperature changes… It is 2.25m high and 5.46m wide, and consists of nine panels, six of which are painted on both sides.

In the center appears Christ, sumptuous in his purple robe. His right hand raised, holding a foot of lilies, makes a sign to the elect. Conversely, his left handis lowered as a sign of disapproval. At the feet of Christ, the four heralding angels surround the Archangel Saint Michael. Shining in the contrast of his white robe and scarlet mantle, his impassive face, he weighs the soul of the risen.

A close altarpiece, Nicolas Rolin and Guigone de Salins appear, kneeling in prayer, facing each other, while are represented in trompe-l’œil the Annunciation, Saint Sebastien, patron of chilvary of the Chancellor, and Saint Antoine (with is pig), patron of the Hôtel-Dieu and Guigone de Salins.

Interactive discovery of the work: www.hospices-de-beaune.com/judgment-dernier/

THE MUSEUM’S CULTURAL SHOP Located at the end of the tour of the Hotel-Dieu, the Cultural Boutique is also directly accessible from the Place de la Halle. It has a pleasant space where visitors can discover a large number of heritage items (books, table and wine arts, etc.) and other souvenirs (souvenir tokens of the “Monnaie de Paris” and tourist ticket, postcards, magnets, etc.). Many objects are made exclusively for the Hotel-Dieu.

Information and orders: [email protected] – 03 80 24 45 05

Hôtel-Dieu Museum – Hospices de Beaune www.hospices-de-beaune.com

RENTAL OF SPACES IN THE HOTEL-DIEU

Thanks to donations over the centuries, part of the property belonging to the Hospices de Beaune is available for the organization of professional or private events (10 to 350 people).

Within the Hôtel-Dieu, three exceptional spaces:

• Under its famous glazed roofs, a seminar space combining authentic decor with modern facilities;

• With its stunning view of the Cour d'Honneur, the Chambre du Roy - a historic room named after the visit of King Louis XIV in 1658 - will bring magnificence and conviviality to the receptions organized;

• A few steps from the gardens and courtyards of the Hotel-Dieu, the Medieval Bastion offers a unique, historic and atypical setting for events: conventions and congresses, cocktails and gala dinners, weddings and private events are organized under its vast vaulted room.

Information and reservation: [email protected] – 03 80 24 47 45

Hôtel-Dieu Museum – Hospices de Beaune www.hospices-de-beaune.com

PRATICAL INFORMATIONS

The Hôtel-Dieu museum and the cultural boutique are open to the public every day of the year.

• SCHEDULES

High season (mid-March – mid-November): 09:00 – 18:30* Low season (except mid-March - mid-November): 09:00 – 11:30* / 14:00 – 17:30*

*Museum and shop closed 1 hour later. New Year’s Day and Christmas Day: opening at 10:00

• VISITS

We propose several options to discover the museum of the Hotel-Dieu: free, guided, themed or family tours for individual visitors (reservations by e-ticketing exclusively) or for constituted groups.

Programs and up-to-date rates are available online: www.hospices-de-beaune.com

• ACCES

By train Gare de Beaune (Direct connection to Paris by TGV) By plane Lyon Airport By car Motorways A6, A31, A36, 2H30 from Paris, 1h15 from Lyon

CONTACTS

Hôtel-Dieu Museum Communication Service Rue de l'Hôtel-Dieu (place de la halle) Press contact 21200 Beaune 03 80 24 45 00 03 80 24 45 30 [email protected] [email protected]

Photo credit: F. Vauban / Hospices Civils de Beaune

Hôtel-Dieu Museum – Hospices de Beaune www.hospices-de-beaune.com