Stroll through the Art Deco glory that was once Sanatorium Joseph Lemaire, Tombeek, Belgium
Not yet published by Vanessa Boiser
Country: Belgium 
The Experience
Vacation holidays and out-of-the-country does not only mean having to spend on lavish hotel and resorts. Travelers can also learn to appreciate life more by visiting places with historical significance. In Belgium, the sceneries are not the only thing that is popular to tourists. They also take time to visit the Sanatorium Joseph Lemaire in the city of Tombeek.
Brimming with rich historical importance to the people of Belgium, the Sanatorium was built in 1937 by an insurance company named "Prévoyance Sociale". Back then, Europe was plagued with Tuberculosis and this building is to cater to people afflicted with the said disease. The Architects known as the Brunfauts designed the hospital to make it conducive for the patients. It has a terrace that allows the patients to relax breathe fresh air. In the height of its popularity, the Sanatorium is gleaming with ceramic, glass and other modern materials and design the 1930’s way. Truly, the Sanatorium back then is a sight to behold.
However, when the First World War came, the international Red Cross used this as a headquarters. It held up to 235 patients and residents who went out seeking refuge. Post world war, the Sanatorium was transformed to cater to disabled persons and those who are chronically ill. It was in 1987 that the building was shut down. More than 20 years after its closure, the Sanatorium still attracts visitors despite its dirt and grime. It is a memoir of social and humanly ills.
Brimming with rich historical importance to the people of Belgium, the Sanatorium was built in 1937 by an insurance company named "Prévoyance Sociale". Back then, Europe was plagued with Tuberculosis and this building is to cater to people afflicted with the said disease. The Architects known as the Brunfauts designed the hospital to make it conducive for the patients. It has a terrace that allows the patients to relax breathe fresh air. In the height of its popularity, the Sanatorium is gleaming with ceramic, glass and other modern materials and design the 1930’s way. Truly, the Sanatorium back then is a sight to behold.
However, when the First World War came, the international Red Cross used this as a headquarters. It held up to 235 patients and residents who went out seeking refuge. Post world war, the Sanatorium was transformed to cater to disabled persons and those who are chronically ill. It was in 1987 that the building was shut down. More than 20 years after its closure, the Sanatorium still attracts visitors despite its dirt and grime. It is a memoir of social and humanly ills.
When to Go
You can visit this place anytime of the year. To visit this place, you can book a flight from your country to Brussels International Airport. Upon arriving, you can proceed to looking for your preferred hotel accommodation if you have not booked prior to your flight. From there, you can give yourself a rest first or stroll around Brussels. After which, you can either ride a taxi or ask the friendly locals for directions to take you on any of the three major trains station in Brussels. These train stations have direct route that will take you to Tombeek to see the Sanatorium Joseph Lemaire.
Odds n' Ends
Aside from the Sanatorium, tourists can enjoy the authentic Belgian cuisine in Tombeek. Indulge in sumptuous steak, wine and Belgian chocolate for desert to rest your hunger pangs away. A stroll around the lavish Tombeek countryside is the best way to cap off your Belgian getaway.
When visiting this place, tourists can stroll around the site and marvel at the uniqueness of art deco design of the Sanatorium. However, if you are looking for a grand place to take pictures of, this place is not for you. This place is perfect for urban exploration, graffiti art lovers and even ghost hunting. The Sanatorium is currently being renovated to restore its old glory. So these days, you might stumble into one worker after another.
Tourists who have visited this place experienced different reactions. Some visit this place to adore the wonder of its architectural design while some adventurous spirits usually go here to ghost haunt. However, most of the tourists claimed they felt a feeling of hope as the halls and walls of the building witness death, suffering and maybe even a tinge of joy and hope.
When visiting this place, tourists can stroll around the site and marvel at the uniqueness of art deco design of the Sanatorium. However, if you are looking for a grand place to take pictures of, this place is not for you. This place is perfect for urban exploration, graffiti art lovers and even ghost hunting. The Sanatorium is currently being renovated to restore its old glory. So these days, you might stumble into one worker after another.
Tourists who have visited this place experienced different reactions. Some visit this place to adore the wonder of its architectural design while some adventurous spirits usually go here to ghost haunt. However, most of the tourists claimed they felt a feeling of hope as the halls and walls of the building witness death, suffering and maybe even a tinge of joy and hope.
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