485 Comments for Manteno State Hospital

I have bad dreams about needing to pee and the stall not having a door or there being several toilets lined up with no stalls or multipul seats in one stall. This is the first time I've ever seen that dream come to life. Totally creeping me out that my dream is of something real and I didn't even know it.

the vandalizer has some seriouse issues.

Kirtsen, yes exactly! i am an artist and found the project fascinating in itself , but just how dare she paint and write all over the walls, its not hers. In our day and age of technology all she had to have done was take some shots and superimpose whatever she wanted by use of photoshop or some other software.....the message still would have gotten across!

serenityjane - i know what you mean, her last work with genie i could understand and brought a story to our attention but again i was left feeling where do we draw the line with vandalising old beautiful architecture even if it has got a seedy past.
once captured on film i feel she should have cleaned it off. the same with this. these buildings are a time capsule into the past and should be protected from ruin to show to future generations to tell the stories of the past good or bad!
where do we draw the line between art and vandalism? banksie, Kristyn Vinikour, an unknow tagger?

This is amazing...Wallpaper Please!

yah, if ya come in here to rant about the comments, yer just a smartypants-or worse. :)

(mark...we won't ask.) jp- I was slightly traumatized by a similar situation in 4th/5th grades...a public restroom in the upper grades hall with the stalls-but no doors!! I always went to the two behind a divider by the door.

"normal except for the stigma of insanity" !!! If THAT doesn't say it, nothing does. "warehousing storage" of those perceived as burdens is one thing...but the neurosurgery and "experiments" only resulted in detriment...I hope as many of us as possible know that even those with conditions aren't disposable.

excellent pic but whats the story behind it?

Good juxtaposition between something alive and dead.

they painted over this, it kinda makes me want to cry

Yes they're pretty and yes I get the meaning. But everyone...EVERYONE who has broken into those buildings did so without the express permission of the owners. The artist, while well intentioned, did NOT have permission to paint all over those walls. It IS vandalism.

Well, I read the story that was linked and thought it was very interesting. I know there were probably thousands like Gennie, but to have just her story gives you sight into the inner workings of a mental institution. I don't like the writing on the walls, that to me is desecration of what was once a fine institution. I however think Gennie's story should be made into a movie, as precise and exact as possible with no exaggerations. At least then her story will be forever known. Anyone know where she's buried? I'm assuming Chicago or nearby. But does anyone know of the cemetery or grounds where she is?

I just saw the photo of Kristyn Vinikour's, she has painted the whole room......I dont know why but it made me angry. Anyone else feel the same?
see link above by steponme

I totally agree.....for me, finding this site has not only lead me to some out of this world photos by Motts, it has satisfied my fascination of abandoned buildings, given me intelligent insight into asylums and history of pysciatric institutions and finally, made me feel like I am amongst friends.....I love reading cmments just as much as staring in awe at the photos. I hope everyone continues to comment, and people who dont wanna read, just DONT. Simple! best wishes to all