Musée de l'Hospice Saint-Roch
Free museum in the former Hôtel-Dieu of Issoudun: archaeology, old paintings, a 1648 harpsichord, a hospital pharmacy and the Leonor Fini salon.
No sound? Check your device’s silent switch.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum occupies the site of the former Hôtel-Dieu of Issoudun, founded in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 15th century. The surviving ensemble includes a chapel and a 15th-century ward for the sick, as well as two 17th-century wings, protected as historic monuments. Since 1995, a contemporary extension by architect Pierre Colboc has hosted exhibitions of contemporary artists.
The collections trace local history from prehistory onward: Iron Age Celtic grave goods from nearby burials, Gallo-Roman objects and sculpted elements from public buildings, followed by sarcophagi, grave slabs and Merovingian objects in bone and ivory. The museum also holds painted enamels from the former Hôtel-Dieu, including two plaques signed by Léonard II Limosin.
Upstairs, Flemish and French paintings of the 16th and 17th centuries, an altarpiece from Berry and the oldest signed and dated French harpsichord in public collections, made in 1648 by Jean Denis, sit alongside sculptures from the 8th to the 15th century. The route also includes the hospital pharmacy, an Oceanic collection, the works of Cécile Reims and Fred Deux, and a salon devoted to Leonor Fini.
Highlights
- Former Hôtel-Dieu with a 15th-century chapel and 17th-century wings
- Harpsichord by Jean Denis from 1648, the oldest signed and dated French harpsichord in public collections
- Flemish and French paintings, including Jan Breughel and the workshop of Rubens
- Hospital pharmacy
- Oceanic collection and Leonor Fini salon
Permanent exhibitions
- Salon de Leonor Fini – Salon devoted to the artist Leonor Fini, presented among the museum's collections.
- Apothicairerie – Pharmacy displayed along the museum's route.
- Collection océanienne – Collection of objects from Oceania displayed on the first floor.
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, but some parts of the former Hôtel-Dieu require help from reception staff. The temporary exhibitions, the Oceanic room, the Cécile Reims and Fred Deux room and the Leonor Fini salon are step-free; an elevator serves the second floor, where the paintings are. Wheelchairs and seat canes are available at reception. Adapted tours by reservation are offered for visitors with psychological, intellectual or visual disabilities.
Kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
Art workshops during school holidays, open to children and adults alike.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Gare d'Issoudun · 7-min walk
Issoudun station, on the Paris-Austerlitz – Toulouse line.
By car
Parking available
Two car parks less than 50 meters from the museum, accessible to people with reduced mobility.
By car from Paris: A10 to the Vierzon exit, then A20. On foot from the station, the route follows the promenade des Remparts and the Parc F. Mitterrand.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
- Coat check
Bookshop (catalogues, books, prints, postcards, stationery, teas and spices). Free cloakroom: umbrellas and large bags are left there.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography without flash is allowed only in the permanent collection rooms. Animals are not admitted, except guide dogs. |
| Good to know | Free guided tours in summer; art workshops during school holidays (except December); programs for school and after-school groups; documentation center. |
