Sint-Janshuismolen

About the museum

Windmills appeared on the Bruges ramparts from the thirteenth century, when the outer city wall was built. Until well into the nineteenth century they played an important economic role for the city. The Sint-Janshuismolen, named after the Saint John's Hospital, which received rent from the mill, stands on the Kruisvest and is the third mill on this spot.

The current mill dates from 1770 and still stands in its original location. The dean of the Bruges bakers' guild bought the mill on behalf of 26 master bakers, which is why it was sometimes called the Bakkersmolen (Bakers' Mill). Later it came into the hands of the Gevaert family; Frans Gevaert was the last free corn miller in Bruges.

In 1914 the city of Bruges bought the mills on the ramparts. At first it wanted to demolish them, but later their value was recognised. The mill was restored and has turned again since 1964. Jozef De Waele was city miller from 1967 to 1993. In 2001 a thorough renovation followed, and today the mill belongs to Musea Brugge.

The Sint-Janshuismolen is the only one of the four windmills on the city ramparts where grain is still ground. In 2026 it was recognised as an Actieve molen (Active Mill).

Highlights

• The only mill on the Bruges ramparts where grain is still ground
• Millers talk about the centuries-old craft
• When the wind is favourable you can see the milling mechanism turning
• View over the green city ramparts from the mill
• Recognised as an Actieve molen (Active Mill) in 2026

Permanent exhibition

• Werkende korenmolen – In the 1770 windmill you discover how grain is ground, and the miller tells you about the craft; when the wind is favourable the mechanism turns.

Founded

1770

Operated by

Musea Brugge (Stad Brugge)

Admission & discounts

Residents of Bruges and Friends of Musea Brugge visit the locations free of charge; admission is also free with ICOM, Museumpas, Merito Club, Riebedebie (passport campaign), SELECT Card and the Brugse Stadsgids with FTG card. Reserve a free ticket online and have it activated at the ticket desk with your card or identity card. An online ticket cannot be changed, exchanged or cancelled.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The access paths are wheelchair-accessible with help, but the entrance and the mill itself can only be reached by (steep) stairs.

Kids & families

Children under 13 enter free. Primary and secondary schools visit the mill free of charge; for the third and fourth school years there is the free museum menu “De Molenbrigade”. The stairs are steep.

Getting there & parking

Wheelchairs can be taken on all De Lijn buses. Plan your route via the De Lijn website.

Amenities & dining

• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi at the Musea Brugge locations.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit