Beelitz Heilstätten, Germany

Beelitz Heilstätten is a large abandoned hospital complex, on the outskirts of Berlin. This large hospital complex originally had over 60 buildings, covering 200 hectares. Although there has been some redeveloped, large areas remain abandoned.

In recent years, it has been announced that many key buildings may be renovated. The plans include the famous Whitney Houston Haus as well as some of the surgical buildings.

History of Beelitz Heilstätten hospital

The site primarily served as a health resort/sanatorium for those suffering from lung disease, including tuberculosis. Patients were sent here to recover in the fresh air of this hospital deep in the pine forest. In the days before antibiotics, this was the only treatment for this often fatal disease.

Divided into four quadrants, the hospital segregated patients based on treatment needs. The southern area of the complex treated non-infectious diseases. Treatment of tuberculosis and other infectious pulmonary disease occurred in the northern quadrants.

During the First World War the site served as a field hospital. Notably, this hospital treated Adolf Hitler’s leg injury sustained during the Battle of the Somme. Many troops injured during World War II came here for treatment. Subsequently, the Russians occupied the war-damaged hospital in 1945. They occupied the site until 1994. Following the withdrawal of the Soviet Army, there was a period of renovation. A neurological rehabilitation now operates in some of the renovated buildings.

Many large and interesting derelict buildings remain abandoned in many parts of the complex. They are decaying and crumbling as the decade’s pass. As a result of this, the strangely beautiful Beelitz Heilstätten has featured in several films. These include The Pianist (2002), Valkyrie (in 2008) and A Cure for Wellness (2016). Rammstein featured part of the site in the music video “Mein Herz Brennt”.

Beelitz Heilstätten Central Bathhouse – Men’s Sanatorium

(Zentralbadeanstalt – Sanatorium für Männer)

The Central Bathhouse was constructed between 1899 and 1902. This forms part of the Men’s Sanatorium. The main entrance features a small reception area, with a small flight of stairs up to the main corridor intersection. Black and white hexagonal tiles decorate the floor. The walls of the corridors are a clinical emerald green.

One of the most striking parts of Beelitz Heilstätten, is the cathedral-like bathing area of the Central Bathhouse. This semi-circular room has a domed ceiling. The chamber is well-lit by a ring of windows. The tiles are cream, yellow and orange. A T-shaped plunge pool sits in the centre. S

Upstairs there are two large exercise halls, at opposite ends of the building. Similarly, both feature carved wooden dragons adorning the wooden ceiling struts.

Beelitz Heilstätten Living Pavillion – Men’s Sanatorium

(Wohnpavillon – Sanatorium für Männer)

The Living Pavillion was built between 1899 and 1902. The living pavilion is in the area for treatment of non-infectious diseases. This pavilion had 225 beds, split over three floors. There is a large dining room, painted a fetching green. An ornate four-leaf clover-shaped window floods the stage with natural light.

Outside is a statue, a Soviet memorial to Vladimir Borisovich Amokov. He is a Russian Statesman from the 18th Century. This statue is a legacy of the 1945-1994 Russian occupation of the site.

Tuberculosis Clinic- Men’s Health Resort (“Whitney Houston Haus”)

(Lungenheilgebäude für Männer Pavillon – Lungenheilstätte der lungenkranken Männer)

The Beelitz Heilstätten Tuberculosis Clinic was built between 1898 to 1902. The clinic had room for 186 patients. The building is also known as “Whitney Houston Haus”; a nickname derived from a banner that was once hung above the stage by some resident art students. There were plans to renovate this hall, but it seems that these have not come to fruition yet. In front of the stage sits a lonely piano and stool. When we entered the low evening light cast dramatic light rays across the room. One shaft of light falls directly on the piano; a happy coincidence of timing. In addition to this, the textures of the peeling rust-coloured peeling paint on the walls contrast beautifully with the grandeur of the ceiling.

This building in the most decayed, providing some very photogenic corridors encrusted with peeling paint. The main entrance stairway is artfully gratified.