Hôtel-Dieu de Bourg-en-Bresse, Historical hospital in Bourg-en-Bresse, France.
The Hôtel-Dieu de Bourg-en-Bresse is a hospital begun in 1782 to plans by Pierre-Adrien Pâris, with Gaspard Chauverêche in charge of the works. Its pale yellow walls and grey stone base enclose a cloister, and a round tower with a white stone drum carries a dark dome topped by a lantern and weather vane. The apothicairerie in the south wing is now a museum.
Construction began in 1782 under Gaspard Chauverêche's supervision, following architect Pierre-Adrien Pâris's plans. The building was designed as a medical institution reflecting enlightened ideas about care for the sick.
The apothecary occupies the south wing of the building and is now run as a museum. Its collections trace the history of medicine and pharmacy, with old remedies and medical equipment on display. The name Hôtel-Dieu, literally "God's hostel", was the common French term for a hospital.
The building stands in Bourg-en-Bresse, in the Ain department, and its wings enclose a cloister; the apothecary museum occupies the south wing. The site is partly listed as a monument historique since 1947, so some areas may be closed to visitors. Check locally which parts are open before setting out.
The apothecary in the south wing is now a museum. The building itself began in 1782 to plans by Pierre-Adrien Pâris, with Gaspard Chauverêche running the works, and was partly listed as a monument historique in 1947.
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