Heritage Days 2024: discover the history of the 15-20 Hospital in Paris

TheHôpital National des Quinze-Vingt in Paris specializes inophthalmology. It was founded in 1260 by King Louis IX, also known as Saint Louis. The hospice's mission was to take in poor, blind men and women in Paris. The name "Quinze-Vingt" is thought to be a reference to the number 300 (15x20), the number of beds needed to care for blind knights during the seventh crusade in the 13th century. For the hospital historian, however, this story remains a legend.

To discover the true history and secrets of this medical institution, take advantage of the tours and events scheduled for September 21 and 22, 2024, for the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days). To mark the occasion, the hospital is opening its doors to the curious, and offering a variety of events throughout the weekend. Find out more about the program for this cultural event.

Good news: these tours are free for all, and accessible without reservation! If you're passing through the 12th arrondissement during the Journées du Patrimoine, don't hesitate to take a look at this historic site.

• To be read
• Tips for the week of October 14 to 20, 2024 in Paris: free or inexpensive outings
• What to do in Paris and the Paris Region in October 2024? Tips and ideas for outings

On the program for these Heritage Days at the 15-20 hospital:

• The Black Musketeers at the 15-20 Hospital
  September 21 and 22
  

  On September 20 and 21, 2024, the Hospital des 15-20 is offering the following Heritage Days:
  
  - Attend a horseback performance and historical re-enactment with the company Les Ecuyers de l'histoire*:
  - 11h : A historical explanation of the 2nd company of black musketeers under Louis XV, the body, the weapons, the equipment, the spirit, the military horses (40 min)
  - 14h30 : A performance on horseback with demonstrations of typical musketeer training, head and ring races, black powder shooting (30min)
  - 16h : A performance on horseback with foil fencing, dressage and tight order (20 min)
  
  - visit the exhibition of the Black Musketeers barracks through the ages in the chapel
  
  - take part in an art workshop with artist Amandine Delaunay* (2pm-5pm) and leave with a souvenir card
  
  *Les Écuyers de l'histoire brings together riders passionate about horses and history, with the aim of re-enacting history on horseback.
  
  *In this issue of "Laissez-vous guider", Stéphane Bern and Lorànt Deutsch, both passionate about history and heritage, follow in the footsteps of the most flamboyant soldiers in French history: the Musketeers.
  
  *Amandine Delaunay is an illustrator and art director with a passion for old engravings, naturalist plates and fairy tales, whose images oscillate between scientific precision and dreamlike visions. Curious and enthusiastic, Amandine loved immersing herself in the world of the 15-20s. She has created a portrait of a black musketeer, which will be autographed and handed out to visitors.

  
  
  

Are you passionate about the medical world? Discover our themed guide for these European Heritage Days.

Heritage Days 2024 at museums, hospitals and medical institutions in Paris
The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) take place this weekend, September 21 and 22, 2024, in Paris and the Île-de-France region. Calling all enthusiasts of the medical world, here are some places whose program should please you! Discover the hospitals and medical institutions opening their doors to you for this exceptional weekend! [Read more]