Site Oud Sint-Jan (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Site Oud Sint-Jan?
What makes it 72% Kids-Friendly: Children enter the museum free, can roam safe wide corridors and lawn, and concerts admit ages 5+, yet some paid shows like BodyWorlds may scare under-12s and no dedicated playroom exists.
Positives:
- Stroller-Friendly: Wide corridors and smooth paths let you push a stroller throughout the site.
- Free Outdoor Space: Most gardens and courtyards are open at no charge, perfect for kids to play.
Challenges:
- Limited On-Site Dining: There is no café; you must bring your own snacks or leave to find food nearby.
- Variable Exhibition Content: Some temporary shows may feature mature themes—check age guidance before buying tickets.
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 kids?
- Free outdoor gardens let kids run and play
- Wide historic corridors are stroller-friendly
- Unique pharmacy interior shows 17th-century medicine
- Interactive water sculpture sparks curiosity
- Donation-based harp concerts welcome families
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This allows time to explore the grounds, see the pharmacy, enjoy the orchard, and visit a short exhibition without rushing the kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Site Oud Sint-Jan
Hidden Orchard Playtime:
Let kids run on the lawn and explore the small garden in the center of the former parking area.
Tip: Bring a lightweight ball or outdoor toy for extra fun.
Stroll Through Hospital Wards:
Walk along the broad 19th-century corridors and circular gallery.
Tip: Point out the old ward doors and imagine hospital life in the 1800s.
Visit the Historic Pharmacy:
View the restored 17th-century pharmacy interior from behind period glass.
Tip: Explain to children how medicine was made long ago.
Spot 'Les veines du cloître' Sculpture:
Admire Giuseppe Penone’s marble-and-bronze water feature near the old pharmacy.
Tip: Have kids count the water droplets as they fall.
Child-Friendly Harp Concert:
Attend a donation-based concert by Luc Vanlaere in the former wards.
Tip: Check the schedule online and book early; children aged 5+ enjoy the performance.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Site Oud Sint-Jan
- Book Tickets Online: Reserve exhibition tickets in advance to secure preferred time slots and avoid lines.
- Bring a Picnic Blanket: Use the orchard lawn for a family picnic to save money and keep kids happy.
- Arrive Early: Get there when gates open to enjoy quieter galleries and better photo opportunities.
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 spring and summer, the orchard blooms—pack sun hats and water. In autumn, watch the leaves change in the courtyard. Winter can be chilly; dress kids in layers.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult museum tickets (2 x €15) | EUR 30 |
| Parking fee | EUR 10 |
| Donation for harp concert | EUR 5 |
| Snacks or picnic supplies | EUR 5 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 50 |
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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