Sankt Nikolaus-Hospital (Cusanusstift)
Late Gothic foundation hospital of Cardinal Nikolaus von Kues (Nicholas of Cusa), with cloister, chapel, exhibition and the Cusanus Library.
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About the museum
The St. Nikolaus Hospital in Kues was founded in 1458 by Nikolaus von Kues (Nicholas of Cusa), cardinal, philosopher and mathematician. It was meant as an almshouse offering a home to 33 needy older men from the area; the founder generously endowed it with inherited property, above all vineyards and farmland. For more than 500 years the house has continued as a care facility for the elderly; today it is a legally independent church foundation.
The foundation complex was built around the middle of the 15th century in the late Gothic style and was altered in the 18th century. The cloister follows monastic models; wall paintings by Franz Freund from the 1770s depict the seven works of mercy. The chapel contains the heart tomb of Cusanus. In the Gothic Hall are displayed, among other things, a chalice and liturgical vestments of the cardinal; the Baroque Hall was furnished in the 18th century as a chapter hall.
Particularly valuable is the library above the sacristy, which holds some 300 manuscripts from the estate of Cusanus, as well as astronomical instruments, documents and early prints. It is accessible only on a guided tour.
Highlights
- Heart tomb of Cardinal Nikolaus von Kues in the foundation chapel
- Late Gothic cloister with wall paintings of the seven works of mercy
- Cusanus Library with around 300 medieval manuscripts
- Gothic Hall with chalice and liturgical vestments of Cusanus
- Baroque Hall with wall paintings and a stucco ceiling
Permanent exhibition
- Ausstellung im Stift – Exhibition rooms in the cloister and the Gothic Hall show objects from the estate of Nikolaus von Kues, including a chalice and liturgical vestments.
- Founded
- 1458
- Operated by
- Stiftung St. Nikolaus-Hospital / Cusanusstift
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Groups | –Group tours year-round by registration: €100 flat fee for up to 12 people, €8 for each additional person, maximum 20 people. |
|---|---|
| Individual tour (April to October, Tue 10:30 and Fri 15:00) | €12€10 with guest card |
Chapel, cloister and exhibition are free of charge; guided tours (including of the library) cost extra.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- 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 exhibition room is reachable without barriers; the library can only be reached via a spiral staircase of 20 steps and is therefore not wheelchair-accessible.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
In the foundation's farmyard there are a wine shop (Vinothek) and a wine culture center.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Register for tours by email (info@cusanus.de) or via the online form at least ten days in advance; payment is due ten days before the appointment. Cancellations up to one day before the appointment incur the full fee. The tour waits at most 15 minutes for late groups. |
