Brugge, history and contemporary art

Bruges, exploring a fascinating blend of history, art and architecture.

The Groeninghe collection of contemporary art and the Old St John’s hospital

Located near the Church of our Lady, the Oud Sint-Janshospitaal (Old St.John’s Hospital) is one of Europe’s oldest surviving hospital complexes, dating back to the mid-12^th century. Originally a sanctuary for sick pilgrims and travelers, it grew into a vital institution of care and hospitality during the Middle Ages, offering a window into medieval care and creativity.

The hospital’s medieval halls, its chapel and towering oak-beamed attic, remain remarkably preserved. Today, these spaces are home to the Hans Memling Museum, named after the celebrated 15^th century painter. Highlights include Memling’s Shrine of St. Ursula and other masterpieces, alongside a collection of hospital records, medical instruments and religious artefacts.

The 17^th century apothecary and the tranquil herb garden reflect the hospital’s historical ties to healing practices and medicines.

Initially housed in the attic of an old tannery, also the seat of the art gallery “t’Leerhuys”, a stone’s throw away from the Groeninghe museum, in 2008 the curators decided to move the extended and outstanding Groeninghe collection of contemporary art to the  College of Europe, where a selection of works is on permanent view in the hallways of the college’s Verversdijk campus. There, the artworks are in constant dialogue with students, professors and visitors from all over the world.

Every five years, the curators try to respond to new trends. Today the collection focuses on how media and technology affect our daily lives. Are we at the brink of an information revolution akin to the industrial revolution and how do artists respond to the new inter-human relations? These are among the questions the Foundation tries to address today in acquiring and collecting artworks of internationally known artists.

The collection will be presented to us by one of the driving members of the foundation Board and a keen and dedicated contemporary art lover.