What Is Bersohns' and Baumans' Hospital? - A Historic Urbex Site in Warsaw
Our latest urbex adventure took us to a truly haunting location: the abandoned Bersohns’ and Baumans’ Children’s Hospital in Warsaw. The experience was nothing short of thrilling. As we approached the crumbling façade, we could feel the weight of history in the air. This hospital, built in 1878, was once a crucial institution for the Jewish community, treating children from all over the city. During World War II, it became part of the Warsaw Ghetto, further adding to its tragic past. Walking through the eerie halls of the abandoned building, we were struck by the contrast between its original purpose—saving lives—and the decaying structure it has become. The peeling walls, broken windows, and remnants of medical equipment made it feel like stepping into a forgotten world. For urbex enthusiasts like us, this site is a treasure trove of history and atmosphere. Every creak and shadow seemed to whisper stories of the past. Exploring such a historically significant site was an emotional experience, making it more than just another urbex trip. It was a journey into Warsaw’s past, where beauty and tragedy are forever intertwined in the decaying walls of this forgotten hospital.
Why Explore an Abandoned Hospital? - Urbex Adventure at Bersohns' and Baumans'
Exploring the abandoned Bersohns’ and Baumans’ Hospital is an urbex journey into a deeply significant chapter of Jewish history. This once-thriving children’s hospital, founded in 1878, treated children for free and was home to prominent pediatrician Janusz Korczak. But the true weight of its history became apparent during World War II when it fell within the Warsaw Ghetto’s boundaries. The hospital, once equipped with 250 beds, was overwhelmed by a typhus epidemic, leading to the opening of a second location. Doctors here, including the heroic Anna Braude-Heller, fought to save countless lives, even conducting secret research on starvation, risking their lives under the Nazis’ gaze. By September 1942, most patients and staff were tragically deported to Treblinka, marking one of the darkest moments in its history. Walking through the ruins, you can still feel the echoes of this suffering. It stands as a reminder of the immense resilience of the Jewish community. Nearby, you can also find the surviving Lejb Osnos’ tenement house, another poignant piece of Warsaw’s Jewish Ghetto past. Urbexing here isn’t just about exploring decay—it’s about paying tribute to a history that must never be forgotten. This place hums with memories, making it an emotional and vital urbex destination.
How Do You Get to Bersohns' and Baumans' Hospital? - A Guide to This Urbex Location
Accessing the abandoned Bersohns’ and Baumans’ Hospital for an urbex experience is a rare and special opportunity, made possible only through guided tours organized by the Warsaw Ghetto Museum. Unlike many other urbex sites, this historic hospital is not available for wild or unsanctioned exploration, making it even more exclusive for those seeking to connect with its rich history. For years, the hospital remained off-limits to the public, but we were fortunate to join one of the rare tours. The museum, which is currently being developed and will eventually be housed in the hospital itself, has opened this window into the past for urban explorers and history buffs alike. Walking through its eerie, decayed halls, we felt the weight of its history—once a bustling hospital and later a part of the Warsaw Ghetto, its significance during World War II is undeniable. These guided tours, though infrequent, offer a deeply immersive experience, providing not only access to the hospital’s haunting atmosphere but also a wealth of historical knowledge. The upcoming museum will preserve these stories, but for now, this limited opportunity to explore is one we’re grateful to have experienced.
What Can You Expect Inside? - Urbex Photography at Bersohns' and Baumans' Hospital
Stepping inside the abandoned Bersohns’ and Baumans’ Hospital is like walking through a hauntingly beautiful time capsule. As an urbex photographer, you’ll find the decaying building full of captivating visuals that tell stories of its past as a children’s hospital. One of the standout features is the stunning, curvy staircase with its elegant symmetry—a dream for anyone passionate about capturing architectural decay. This staircase leads to many of the hospital’s long-abandoned rooms, each with its own unique atmosphere. The old library, filled with scattered books and empty shelves, is a powerful reminder of the knowledge that once filled the halls. You can still feel the presence of history in the hospital director’s office, with its worn-out desk and remnants of a time when this place was fully operational. Perhaps the most poignant detail is the faded Winnie the Pooh paintings on the walls, showing the hospital’s former life as a place of care for children. These innocent images, now cracked and peeling, add a deeply emotional layer to the experience. Check out the photos and movie below to immerse yourself in the eerie beauty of Bersohns’ and Baumans’ Hospital—a true gem for urbex photography.
