Exploring the Haunting Abandoned Hospitals and Asylums of the World
Exploring the Abandoned Hospitals and Asylums
Urban exploration is a popular hobby, where people explore abandoned buildings and structures. One category that often draws attention is abandoned hospitals and asylums. These places have a haunting presence that attracts urban explorers from all over the world.
In this post, we will take a look at some of the most notable abandoned hospitals and asylums in the world.
1. Waverly Hills Sanatorium – Louisville, Kentucky
Waverly Hills Sanatorium was opened in 1926 to treat patients with tuberculosis. The hospital was constructed on top of a hill, which provided fresh air for the patients to breathe. At its peak, it housed over 400 patients.
The hospital closed down in 1961 due to advancements in medicine that made tuberculosis treatment unnecessary. Since then, it has become an iconic site for urban explorers and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
2. Danvers State Hospital – Danvers, Massachusetts
Danvers State Hospital was built in 1878 to provide care for mentally ill patients. The building was designed by architect Nathaniel J Bradlee who incorporated stunning architecture into his design such as Gothic-style turrets.
However, years of neglect led to its closure in 1992 after reports of patient abuse surfaced.
Today, efforts are underway to convert the asylum into apartments while still preserving some of its unique features like arched windows and tall ceilings.
3. Beelitz-Heilstätten – Beelitz Germany
Beelitz-Heilstätten is an enormous complex consisting of several buildings scattered across a vast area covering over two square miles outside Berlin city limits. It opened up back in 1898 as a sanatorium specializing in treating lung diseases like tuberculosis but later became one of Europe’s largest military hospitals during World War I when Adolf Hitler recovered here after being wounded at Verdun on October 14th-15th 1916.
The hospital complex served as a military hospital throughout both world wars but was abandoned after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. It has since become a popular site for urban explorers and graffiti artists alike.
4. Traverse City State Hospital – Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City State Hospital is one of America’s most beautiful and iconic hospitals. The facility was opened in 1885 to provide care for patients with mental illness. It was designed by architect Gordon W Lloyd who believed that beautiful surroundings could help cure mental illness.
Over time, the hospital became overcrowded, leading to its closure in 1989. Since then, it has been turned into an upscale shopping area and residential development while still preserving some of its original architecture like arched windows and ornate staircases.
5. Lier Mental Hospital – Lier Belgium
Lier Mental Hospital is one of Belgium’s oldest psychiatric hospitals, having been operational since 1861. It housed thousands of mentally ill patients over the years before finally closing down in 1997 due to budget constraints.
Today, the buildings are being repurposed into apartments while still preserving their unique architectural features like stained glass windows and high ceilings.
6. Willard Asylum – Ovid, New York
Willard Asylum was opened in 1869 to provide care for people with mental health conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Over time, it grew into a sprawling complex covering over four hundred acres.
The asylum closed down in 1995 due to changes in treatment methods for mentally ill patients that made large-scale institutions like Willard obsolete.
Today, efforts are underway to revitalize parts of the complex while still maintaining its historical significance through preservation initiatives such as creating a museum dedicated solely to telling Willard’s story from start-to-finish!
7. Forest Haven Asylum – Laurel Maryland
Forest Haven Asylum was built-in during the mid-20th century, housing thousands of mental health patients from children to adults. The state-of-the-art facility was designed with the latest medical technology and top-notch facilities.
However, as time went on, reports of abuse and neglect became widespread. In 1991 it closed down after extensive lawsuits were filed against the hospital for mistreatment of patients.
Today, Forest Haven Asylum stands abandoned but still attracts urban explorers seeking to explore the haunting history that lies within its walls.
Conclusion
Abandoned hospitals and asylums have a unique appeal that draws in urban explorers from around the world. These sites tell stories of past medical practices and treatments while also showcasing stunning architectural designs.
While some are being converted into apartments today, others remain untouched by human hands since their closure decades ago. Regardless of their current status, these places will always be a reminder of humanity’s struggle to deal with mental illness and disease over time.