The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, which was later renamed the Weston State Hospital, served as a psychiatric hospital from 1864 to 1994 in the city of Weston, West Virginia. After its closure, it was reopened as a tourist attraction, reverting to its original name. The hospital's rich history and architectural significance make it a fascinating destination for visitors interested in history, architecture, and mental health.
The main building of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, known as the Kirkbride, houses a museum on the first floor. The museum showcases paintings, poems, and drawings created by patients during art therapy programs. There is also a room dedicated to the various medical treatments and restraints used in the past, with artifacts like a straitjacket and a hydrotherapy tub on display. This offers visitors a unique insight into the history of mental health treatment.
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum offers guided historic and paranormal daytime tours, as well as evening ghost hunts and paranormal tours. The shorter historical tour allows visitors to explore the first floor of the Kirkbride, while the longer tour provides access to all four floors, staff apartments, the morgue, and the operating room. These tours offer a comprehensive view of the asylum's history and alleged paranormal activity.
History & Anthropology Specialized & Alternative Historic house Person & Artist
50 S River Ave, Weston
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Trans-allegheny Lunatic Asylum has 1 rating.
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, United States, offers visitors an intriguing look into the history of mental health treatment. Located in a striking Gothic Revival building, the museum provides tours that cover both the architectural significance and the asylum's past. Many visitors appreciate the informative guides who share stories about the facility's operation and its former patients. The museum's exhibits on medical practices and living conditions from different eras are generally well-received.
While some find the atmosphere eerie, others describe it as a sobering and educational experience. The daytime heritage tours are popular for those interested in the building's history, while night tours appeal to visitors seeking a more spine-chilling experience. However, some guests mention that certain areas of the massive structure are in various states of disrepair, which can detract from the overall experience.
The museum offers a range of tour options, from short walks to more extensive explorations, catering to different interests and time constraints. Photography enthusiasts often praise the opportunities for capturing the asylum's imposing architecture and abandoned interiors.
On the downside, a few visitors report that some tours can feel rushed, and the information provided might be repetitive across different tour types. Additionally, the subject matter can be intense and may not be suitable for all audiences, especially younger children.
Overall, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum museum provides a thought-provoking journey through a complex aspect of American history, balancing educational value with elements of dark tourism.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.