The Hôtel-Dieu, a treasured monument of Burgundy heritage

 

A remarkable historical monument

In 1443, Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor of the Duke of Burgundy, Philippe le Bon (Philip the Good), and his wife Guigone de Salins decided to create a hospital and refuge for the poor. They set up this «Hôtel-Dieu» in Beaune, at the heart of the Duchy of Burgundy, which was already a very busy crossing point due to its advantageous geographical position.

The Hôtel-Dieu was born and, for the following five centuries, was to receive the sick, disabled, destitute and women in labour who were all treated free of charge at the institution.

In 1971, exactly 40 years ago, a new civil hospital was built not far from the town centre.

 

A model of medieval Burgundian architecture

For the design of his hospital, Nicolas Rolin took inspiration from the architecture of hospitals further North. With its gothic facades the Hôtel-Dieu is considered a jewel of medieval Burgundian architecture. Particularly striking is the contrast between the austerity of the facade facing the road, its slate roof and its impressive cantilevered protective porch, and the burst of decorative detail of the interior, along with the famous glazed tiles in dazzling colours. These tiles are recognized all over the world, photographed each year by the 400,000 visitors to the Hôtel-Dieu museum, one of the symbols of Burgundy.

The polyptych of the Last Judgement, a masterpiece by Rogier van der Weyden

For the consecration of the chapel on 31st December 1451, Chancellor Rolin ordered a impressive retable (framed alterpiece), made up of 9 panels, from the famous Brussels painter, Rogier van der Weyden. Representing the Last Judgement, it was hung above the chapel altar. The incredible richness of the details and the symbolism of the painting make it a major work of art.

 

The Hôtel-Dieu museum: an instructive visit – not to be missed!

Today the Hôtel-Dieu occupies a large area of the town of Beaune with its museum, its three courtyards, its outbuidlings, its 15th Century stronghold and its hundreds of metres of cellars preserving in particular the Hospices’ own wine store. The four buildings open to the public, arranged around the Cour d’Honneur, represent the original configuration of the Hôtel-Dieu. From the time it was founded, Nicolas Rolin had intended for the establishment to be fitted out with furniture, tapestries and other objects. One can get a good idea of these from a detailed inventory made in 1501. These objects came from three distinct sources: the foundation itself, the requirements for the running of a hospital, and the donations and legacies of benefactors and patients who had stayed there.