Trans-allegheny Lunatic Asylum and its collection

Trans-allegheny Lunatic Asylum
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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.

Museum and Exhibits

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.

Tours and Paranormal Activities

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.

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ESAsilo de lunáticos Trans-Allegheny
ENWest Virginia Hospital For the Insane
ENWeston State Hospital

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Specialized & Alternative Specialized & Alternative Historic house Person & Artist

Trans-allegheny Lunatic Asylum
50 S River Ave
WV 26452 Weston
West Virginia

Visitor information Trans-allegheny Lunatic Asylum

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday
11:30 – 18:00
Wednesday
11:30 – 18:00
Thursday
11:30 – 18:00
Friday
11:30 – 18:00
Saturday
11:30 – 18:00
Sunday
11:30 – 18:00

Open March 29th, 2025 – November 09th, 2025

Admission

Ticket prices vary. Check website for details.

Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of Trans-allegheny Lunatic Asylum.

Location & Map

50 S River Ave, Weston

Discover all museums in Weston

Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Trans-allegheny Lunatic Asylum have been found.

Trans-allegheny Lunatic Asylum Reviews

Trans-allegheny Lunatic Asylum has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    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.

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  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

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