The National Hospital of 15-20, rich in a unique and historical heritage, opens its doors as part of the Heritage Days, September 16 and 17, 2023. Visitors will be invited to discover its history, from its genesis to today, through visits and workshops highlighting the great characters who have contributed to its success throughout the ages.
Founded almost 800 years ago, in 1260, by King Saint Louis under the name of hospice des Quinze-Vingts, the National Hospital of 15-20 holds a unique heritage and full of history. Originally dedicated to the reception of the most deprived blind people of Paris, this institution has evolved over the centuries to become a center specialized in the treatment of eye diseases in the nineteenth century.
Among the buildings of the hospital, the entrance porch as well as the chapel, registered as Historical Monuments since 1976, have passed through time and are still preserved. Over the years, new premises have been built to replace the old demolished buildings, reflecting the evolution of this institution over the centuries.
The National Hospital of 15-20 therefore naturally opens its doors during the Heritage Days, which has become an unmissable event for lovers of history, architecture and culture, as well as for families and the general public in search of enriching discoveries.
Activities will be organized during these two days, highlighting the hospital’s heritage through the major milestones in its history:
*** Saturday, September 16 ***

• Opening of the Chapel of Saint Rémi where original parchments with their seals from the 13th to 16th centuries, from the private collection of the National Hospital of 15-20, will be exhibited;
• Guided heritage tours of the National Hospital of 15-20 in the afternoon, to better understand its history and architecture;
• A unique exhibition dedicated to the great figures in the history of the Hôpital National des 15-20, designed by the artist and illustrator of children’s books Amandine Delaunay;
• Creative workshop of the artist Amandine Delaunay who will stamp and dedicate souvenir cards with the effigy of one of the famous characters of the National Hospital of the 15-20.
  *** Sunday, September 17 ***
• Opening of the Chapel of Saint Rémi where original parchments with their seals from the 13th to 16th centuries, from the private collection of the National Hospital of 15-20, will be exhibited;
• A unique exhibition dedicated to the great figures in the history of the Hôpital National des 15-20, designed by the artist and illustrator of children’s books Amandine Delaunay;
• Inaugural concert of the “Circuit musical Louis Braille”, at the Chapelle Saint Rémi at 3:30 p.m. Initiated voluntarily by Joël Hardy, this musical circuit allows to understand and make live the heritage bequeathed by Louis Braille.
  Practical information:
  Event open to all without space limit and without registration from 10am to 6pm.
  Location: 28 rue de Charenton, 75012 (indicated entrance and arrow)
  Bastille or Ledru Rollin metro
  https://www.15-20.fr/actualite/patrimoine-2023/