Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Sainte-Anne Hospital, located in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, is a facility specialized in psychiatry, neurology and neuroscience. Founded in 1651 under the impulse of Anne of Austria, it was initially a farm where the insane of Bicêtre worked. The current hospital, conceived as a modern "clinical asylum", was inaugurated in 1867 under Napoleon III, with an architecture inspired by the hygienist and alienist principles of the time.

In the 13th century, a health home for pests already existed on the site, transferred later by Anne of Austria to remove the contagious. In 1788, architect Bernard Poyet was responsible for reconstructing the hospital, but it was under Haussmann and architect Charles Auguste Questel that the project took shape, with symmetrical pavilions, therapeutic gardens and a five-metre enclosure. The asylum opened in 1867, marked by innovations such as free outside consultations and a general surgery service.

In the 20th century, Sainte-Anne became a major centre for psychiatric research. In 1952, Jean Delay and Pierre Deniker discovered the neuroleptic properties of chlorpromazine (Largactil), revolutionizing psychopharmacology. The hospital also houses the Museum of Art and History (MAHHSA), dedicated to artists-patients since the 19th century, and a specialized library, the Henri-Ey library. Today, he is part of the GHU Paris psychiatry & neurosciences.

The institution has always linked teaching and practice, with the first chair of psychiatry in 1887, carried by Benjamin Ball. Figures such as Jacques Lacan (internal in 1927-28) and Jean Delay marked history. The gardens, with statues like Victorien Tournier's Le Guet, and the pavilions named in tribute to famous doctors (Ball, Janet, Garcin) bear witness to his legacy.

Sainte-Anne also experienced dark periods, as during the siege of Paris (1870-71), where 473 patients died of undernourishment. Over the decades, it has evolved towards outpatient care, reducing complete hospitalizations and developing partnerships with AP-HP and INSERM. The Raymond Garcin Centre, dedicated to neurosciences, and the CPOA (Psychiatric Emergencies 24/7) illustrate its current role.

Ranked among the symbols of French psychiatric asylums with the Esquirol hospital, Sainte-Anne combines architectural heritage, medical innovation and historical memory. Its museum, audiovisual archives and Pierre-Deniker foundation make it a unique place, both caring and cultural.

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