Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse
A historic 15th-18th century hospice transformed into a museum, blending original furnishings with vibrant contemporary art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 15th-18th century hospice transformed into a museum, blending original furnishings with vibrant contemporary art.
"A must visit if you're in Lille. Tickets are very cheap and the museum itself is great!"
🎟️ Affordable Entry
Tickets are very reasonably priced, making it a great value visit.
⏳ Quick Visit Possible
You can explore the entire museum, including temporary exhibits, in about an hour.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Distorted Party Exhibition
Temporary exhibition space
Monumental sculptures by Nadia Naveau create a vibrant yet unsettling atmosphere, blending stillness and exuberance.
Original Furnishings & Art
Main building
Step back in time with authentic 16th-18th century interiors and a captivating art collection.
Historic Courtyard
Central courtyard
An atmospheric space that often hosts temporary exhibitions, offering a glimpse into the hospice's past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Special Exhibits
Embrace the Blend of Old and New
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Affordable Entry
Tickets are very reasonably priced, making it a great value visit. +1
⏳ Quick Visit Possible
You can explore the entire museum, including temporary exhibits, in about an hour.
📱 Digital Info Points
Look for helpful digital displays that offer more information about exhibits.
🤝 Friendly Staff
Guides are helpful and friendly, happy to explain exhibits and the museum's history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Affordable Entry
Tickets are very reasonably priced, making it a great value visit. +1
⏳ Quick Visit Possible
You can explore the entire museum, including temporary exhibits, in about an hour.
📱 Digital Info Points
Look for helpful digital displays that offer more information about exhibits.
🤝 Friendly Staff
Guides are helpful and friendly, happy to explain exhibits and the museum's history.
🚆 TER Train Discount
Show your TER train ticket for a reduced entry fee as part of #TERdeCulture.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse for its affordability and the engaging blend of historical charm with contemporary art. Many highlight the friendly staff and the value for money, though some express reservations about modern exhibitions overshadowing the building's heritage.
"We really liked this museum and how welcoming it was. Buying tickets was easy, and so very reasonably priced!!
The main section was very interesting to look through, with plenty of information boards in each space. The guides were also helpful and friendly and explained what Lille 3000 was, so we'd better understand some of the exhibition.
Some of the displays had very helpful digital info points that gave more information about items in the room, perfect for answering questions!
Unfortunately the chapel was closed when we visited, but we enjoyed looking at the courtyard space with it's interesting Lille 3000 exhibition in!"
Jessica Warburton-White
"We had a great time at this museum leaning about the French history during the 16th-18th centuries. The staff were very nice to us, even though the museum seemed small, it was definitely worth it and the price of €22 for 4 people. The history is super fun to read and see, especially their temporary exhibit that represents different mixes of feeling about the world and about the history back in the centuries. Their permanent exhibits that are in the main building are worth to see, with more interesting paintings and architecture. The dog at the end was pretty sick too, haha. Overall, it was definitely worth the visit in Lille for something to do!"
Nikolai Mannsfeld
"A must visit if you're in Lille. Tickets are very cheap and the museum itself is great! Easily my favourite musuem of the ones we visited during our trip. Some really interesting history and beautiful rooms/ architecture."
Sophie S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Lille, making it easily accessible. Many visitors arrive on foot from the city center or use public transport. If arriving by TER train, present your ticket for a discount on admission.
While there isn't dedicated parking for the museum, several public parking garages are available in the vicinity of Lille's city center. Walking from these garages is usually a pleasant experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are very affordable. A full-price ticket is typically €7, with a reduced rate of €5 available for certain visitors.
While not explicitly stated for all tickets, it's advisable to check the museum's official website for online booking options, especially for special exhibitions like 'The Distorted Party' to ensure entry and potentially save time.
The museum is generally open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and on Mondays from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. It's always best to verify current hours on their official website, as they may have exceptions for holidays.
Yes, the museum may have specific closures. For example, it was exceptionally closed on Monday, July 14th. Always check their official announcements for any unexpected closures.
Yes, reduced rates are available. Presenting a TER train ticket from the day of your visit grants you a reduced price as part of the #TERdeCulture initiative.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that they can comfortably explore the entire museum, including permanent and temporary exhibits, in about an hour.
'The Distorted Party' is a temporary exhibition featuring monumental sculptures by Nadia Naveau, known for evoking a sense of both stillness and exuberance. It's part of the Lille3000 'Fiesta!' program and runs until November 9, 2025.
While specific guided tours aren't always highlighted, the staff and guides are noted as being very helpful and friendly, often providing explanations about the exhibits and the history of the building.
Information on accessibility is not extensively detailed in the provided sources. It's recommended to contact the museum directly to inquire about specific accessibility features, especially concerning the historic nature of the building.
The museum showcases a mix of historical art and furnishings from its hospice era (16th-18th centuries) alongside contemporary art, particularly in its temporary exhibitions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no specific mentions of a cafe or restaurant within the Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse in the provided content. Visitors typically dine at the numerous restaurants and cafes located in the surrounding Lille city center.
While not explicitly stated, it's standard museum etiquette to refrain from consuming food and drinks in exhibition areas. There are no specific mentions of restrictions, but it's best to enjoy refreshments outside the galleries.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, especially with temporary exhibitions. Generally, personal photography without flash is often permitted in historical sections, but it's advisable to check for specific signage or ask staff to confirm.
The historic interiors with original furnishings offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The courtyard also provides a charming backdrop. For temporary exhibitions, the unique art installations themselves are often the focus.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical exhibits offer a quiet glimpse into the past, the temporary exhibitions often feature visually striking pieces that can capture children's attention. The digital info points can also be a fun way for older children to learn more about the exhibits in an interactive format. Consider checking the museum's schedule for any family-specific events or activities during your visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
Furthermore, if you're arriving in Lille via TER train, be sure to present your ticket for a reduced entry fee as part of the #TERdeCulture partnership. This makes an already affordable visit even more economical.
🏛️ History Buffs
While the contemporary art exhibitions offer a modern counterpoint, the core appeal for history enthusiasts lies in exploring the meticulously maintained period rooms and understanding the architectural and social history of the hospice. The detailed information boards and helpful staff further enhance the learning experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Lille's Past: The Hospice
Visitors often praise the museum for its well-preserved interiors, which include period rooms showcasing authentic furniture, artwork, and decorative elements. These permanent exhibits provide a rich narrative of the hospice's history and the lives of its inhabitants. The blend of historical context with the present-day museum experience is frequently highlighted as a key aspect of its charm.
This historical foundation is what makes the juxtaposition with modern art particularly striking. The contrast between the centuries-old architecture and contemporary installations creates a unique dialogue, offering a fresh perspective on both the past and the present. It's this thoughtful curation that sets the Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse apart.
Contemporary Art Meets History: Lille3000 Influence
+1These modern exhibitions are designed to engage visitors in new ways, often sparking discussion and offering contrasting viewpoints to the museum's historical collections. While some visitors appreciate this dynamic blend, others feel it can detract from the building's original spirit. The 'Fiesta!' theme, for instance, aims to bring a vibrant, celebratory energy to the museum.
The museum effectively uses digital information points to provide deeper context for both its historical artifacts and contemporary artworks, enhancing the visitor's understanding and appreciation of the diverse displays. This integration of technology helps bridge the gap between different eras and artistic styles.
Social
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