Antonines Museographic Space of Isenheim

Born from the will of the Sisters of Divine Providence in Ribeauvillé, this museographic space was designed to restore the historic sites of the former Antonine convent, where patients suffering from ergotism were treated, a disease once called "Saint Anthony's fire" or "the fire of the ardents." Linked to the ingestion of a fungus, rye ergot, this condition marked the medical and religious history of the region.

A Center of Art, History, and Spirituality, the museographic space is divided into two distinct parts. Inside, in the renovated former gatehouse, objects and ancient texts illustrate the origin of ergotism, the invocation of Saint Anthony, as well as the hospital vocation and European influence of the Antonines. A vaulted room notably houses a model of the famous Isenheim Altarpiece, a herbarium composed of the fourteen plants used in the preparation of the holy ointment, and a display case presenting engravings and old surgical tools used to treat patients.

Outside, the former choir of the church exhibits remarkable stone elements: a well, 15th-century keystones, a monument dedicated to Saint Anthony dating from the 16th century, and the exact location of the Altarpiece, marked by a "Tau" symbol.

The museographic space is open on the first Sundays of the month and every Tuesday from 2 pm to 5 pm. Guided tours are offered on Fridays at 10 am in July and August. Admission fees are 4 euros for adults, free for those under 18, and 2 euros for students and seniors over 65. The visit also includes access to the current neo-Gothic Jesuit church and can be extended by a walk in the park.

For group visits, prior reservation is required at 03 89 62 24 24 or by email at maison-st-michel@providence-ribeauville.net.