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Garden · Arles, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Espace Van Gogh
The former Hôtel-Dieu, the hospital where Van Gogh was treated in 1888 and 1889, with the courtyard garden he painted. Today it is a cultural centre and entry to the courtyard is free.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Espace Van Gogh
The Espace Van Gogh occupies the former Hôtel-Dieu de Arles, a hospital built in the 16th and 17th centuries around a large square courtyard. Van Gogh was admitted there in December 1888 after cutting part of his ear, and he returned to the hospital several times in early 1889.
While recovering, he painted the courtyard in The Hospital Garden of Arles: a garden with flower beds around a small pond, surrounded by arcaded galleries. After a restoration, the garden was replanted to match the painting, using the same colors and plants.
Today the building houses the media library, Arles's public library, a translators' school, and exhibition rooms. The courtyard is open to the public, with souvenir shops in the galleries. A panel reproduces the painting at the spot where Van Gogh viewed it.
The site is in the center, near the place du Forum, and pairs well with other Van Gogh-related spots: the café on the place du Forum and the Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20 to 30 minutes.
Best time
In spring and summer, when the garden is in bloom. The courtyard is open every day from early morning until early evening. Check before you go.
How to get there
In the center, on the place du Docteur Félix Rey, about a 5-minute walk from the place du Forum and 10 minutes from the Gare d'Arles.
Tip
Climb to the galleries on the first floor to see the garden from above, as in the painting. Combine it with the café on the place du Forum, depicted in Café Terrace at Night.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Espace Van Gogh
Do you have to pay to enter?
No. Entry to the courtyard and garden is free. Temporary exhibitions in the rooms may have their own rules.
Why was Van Gogh there?
The building was the city's hospital. Van Gogh was admitted in December 1888 after cutting part of his ear, and returned to it several times in early 1889.
Is the garden the same as in the painting?
It was replanted following the painting O jardim do hospital de Arles, with beds and a pond in the center. A panel shows the painting for comparison.