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Origin and history

The Reconnaissance Hospice, future hospice Brézin, was built between 1836 and 1846 in Garches thanks to the legacy of Michel Brézin, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Designed by architect Martin-Pierre Gauthier, a Rome prize, it is inspired by monastic cloisters with an arcade gallery and a central chapel. Destined to accommodate poor older workers, he opened with 40 residents from the forges, then spread to 300 beds in 1843. Pensioners benefit from collective dormitories and gardens to cultivate.

In 1878, Ernest Goüin financed an annex pavilion of 30 beds for disabled workers, partly reserved for employees of the Batignolles, whose right of presentation he held. A second pavilion, founded by Lemaire, doubles this capacity. The hospital was integrated into Raymond Poincaré Hospital between 1932 and 1936, becoming the "Brézin Pavilion". Its architecture, including facades and chapel, was protected by an inscription to historical monuments in 1978.

The site perpetuates the memory of Michel Brézin, whose bust adorns the courtyard. Originally dedicated to assisting ageing workers, it illustrates the evolution of hospital facilities in Paris, moving from charitable accommodation to a modern medical function. Private funds, such as those of Goüin and Lemaire, played a key role in its expansion, reflecting the philanthropic commitment of the 19th century to working classes.

The Hospice is part of the heritage of the Hauts-de-Seine, showing early hospital architecture and industrial solidarity networks. Its enfilade plan, with courses and gallery, recalls the conventual models adapted to secular use. Today, it is a tangible vestige of Public Assistance – Hospitals in Paris, marking the transition between charity and institutional medicine.

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