Espace Van Gogh (Médiathèque d'Arles)
Place Félix Rey, Arles, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
The former hospital of Hôtel-Dieu-Saint-Esprit—now Espace Van Gogh (Médiathèque d’Arles)—was where Vincent Van Gogh was treated after he cut off his ear in 1888. Memorialized in several Van Gogh paintings, the courtyard and garden of the repurposed complex are landscaped to match those paintings.
The Espace Van Gogh (Médiathèque d’Arles) is now a cultural center and exhibition space. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Vincent Van Gogh painting when you visit—specifically Le Jardin de l’Hôtel de Dieu. The space is often part of the Van Gogh Walk, which covers sites in Arles painted by Van Gogh. It’s on some sightseeing tours that focus on Van Gogh.
Espace Van Gogh is a must-see for Van Gogh fans in Arles.
It’s free to enter the site, though special exhibitions may charge a fee.
There is a café and several gift shops on-site.
Espace Van Gogh is at Place du Docteur Félix Rey in central Arles. It’s within walking distance of other popular Van Gogh attractions, including the Place du Forum. Arles is around 25 miles (40 kilometers) southwest of Avignon. A tour with transfers is the easiest way to visit from outside Arles.
Espace Van Gogh is open daily from early morning until early evening. It doesn’t take long to view the courtyard, though if you want to browse the shops or view a special exhibition, you’ll want to leave more time. Visit in the spring and summer to see the garden when the flowers bloom.
During the 16 months Van Gogh spent in Arles, he produced more than 300 drawings and paintings. Today, you can follow in his footsteps on the Van Gogh Walk. At more than a dozen locations—including the Place du Forum, Trinquetaille Bridge, and Lamartine Square—panels have been placed where Van Gogh would have set up his easel, so you can see the exact scenery that inspired him.
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