Site Oud Sint-Jan (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Site Oud Sint-Jan?
What makes it 67% Baby-Friendly: Strollers roll easily, museum toilets have diaper tables and babies enter free, but no confirmed nursing room and long art texts may overwhelm infants, so schedule breaks and ask ahead.
Positives:
- Easy stroller access: Wide corridors and gentle ramps let you navigate the entire site with a pushchair.
- Free baby facilities: Nappy-changing tables and stroller storage at the museum lobby are complimentary.
- Comfortable rest spots: The hidden orchard offers benches and grass for feeding or napping outdoors.
Challenges:
- No dedicated nursing room: There is no private breastfeeding area; ask staff for a quiet corner.
- Ticketed exhibitions: Temporary art shows require extra tickets and may not suit a baby’s attention span.
- Cold indoor floors: Stone surfaces stay chilly in winter; pack warm socks and blankets for your baby.
What is Site Oud Sint-Jan?
- A former medieval hospital complex featuring a Romanesque-Gothic chapel, 17th-century pharmacy and 19th-century circular wards
- A preserved ensemble of monastic and medical architecture housing the Museum Sint-Janshospitaal with medieval art and medical artifacts
- Architecture that unites historic brick-built hospital wings, a cloistered courtyard and contemporary exhibition spaces
What is so special about Site Oud Sint-Jan for with baby?
- Push a stroller through spacious 19th-century hospital corridors
- Enjoy a peaceful picnic in the hidden orchard garden
- Use free baby facilities like stroller storage and nappy-changing tables
- Discover medieval art and the ornate pharmacy interior at the museum
- View outdoor art features without extra tickets or fees
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Enough time to explore the wards, orchard, museum and rest with a baby without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Site Oud Sint-Jan
Stroller-friendly ward tour:
Push your stroller through the broad 19th-century hospital corridors and central courtyard.
Tip: Start at the main entrance to follow the circular gallery and avoid backtracking.
Relax in the hidden orchard:
Enjoy a quiet picnic or rest on the lawn in the Sint-Janshospitaalpark garden.
Tip: Bring a blanket and baby snacks; shade is limited in midday sun.
Visit Museum Sint-Janshospitaal:
See medieval art and the restored pharmacy interior; babies enter free.
Tip: Use the free stroller storage and nappy-changing table near the lobby.
Admire Les veines du cloître:
View Giuseppe Penone’s marble-and-bronze water feature along the path to the pharmacy.
Tip: Go when the light is soft, just after sunrise or before sunset.
Photo stop at historic pharmacy:
Take pictures of the ornate 17th-century pharmacy façade with your baby.
Tip: Stand on the left side for the best view of the original cabinets.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Site Oud Sint-Jan
- Arrive early: Beat the crowds and secure a picnic spot in the orchard before peak hours.
- Pack essentials: Bring diapers, wipes and snacks to use the outdoor picnic areas and nappy-changing stations.
- Check exhibition dates: Review the venue website for current ticketed exhibitions and age suitability before visiting.
Reviews of Site Oud Sint-Jan
Jennilyn Sarsalejo
Big Parking 🅿️ have a wonderful terrace overlooking to the lake which all tourist Boat passing in and out to and from the Lake of Love 😘 in Brugge City Belgium Europe
Flavio Pimentel
Strikingly beautiful architecture! We passed by it with the boat and got some nice angles for pictures :)
Pascal the Guiding Dutchman
One of the oldest hospitals in the world and one of my favourite spots in Bruges. Quietness in the courtyard year round as many tourists (luckily) just keep on walking straight in the parallel 'souvenir' street. As a museum it's magnificent (and the book shop on of the cheapest).
James Charalambous
Didn't really know what to expect from this museum but I was really pleasantly surprised. It was super quiet when we went so no dodging tourists :) one of my highlights of Bruges. Lots of history, interesting pieces of art and all in a historic building. We paid extra to see the Warhol work but not sure I'd recommend that as much.. It's very small in comparison to the work of Picasso.
Jillian Robinson
Great museum exhibiting Picasso's lesser known works and passions, including pottery, drawings, etchings, and collaborations. Housed in a former hospital. There is a coat rack if you need but do know that you will need to go outside very briefly to walk between rooms.
When is the best time to visit Site Oud Sint-Jan (Bruges, Belgium)?
In summer bring sun protection for baby in the orchard. In rain the covered galleries stay dry. In winter wear warm layers as stone floors can get cold.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult museum ticket (2 x €15) | EUR 30 |
| Donation for harp concert | EUR 5 |
| Parking (2 hours) | EUR 10 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 45 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Site Oud Sint-Jan
Address: Mariastraat 38, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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