As the saying goes, "a picture is worth a thousand words," and these photos speak volumes when it comes to the sheer beauty of New York.
Thank you to Wayne Howell, manager of the NewYorkStatePhotos Instagram account, for sharing these stunning snaps celebrating New York. To see more, check out @NewYorkStatePhotos!
NewYorkStatePhotos has tons amazing photos...it was hard to even pick these ones to feature! Head over to the Instagram page to see other incredible shots taken in New York!
Most of us have been in a hospital at some point - for almost all of us, a hospital is the first place we ever entered, and for many, it'll be the last. They're places of healing and hope, but by their nature they're also places of sadness and loss. I think that's why abandoned hospitals may be the eeriest of all abandoned places - when they're no longer operating and are left to slowly fall apart, the sense of rebirth that comes from them is gone and all that's left is the loss. That's definitely the case for Mount St. Mary's Hospital in Niagara Falls, a stunning abandoned hospital in New York that had a long and storied history and some truly unique architecture - but since 2003, it's been vacant and is now a shadow of its former self. Let's take a look inside this eerie and fascinating location...
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If you love creepy content, Only In Your State’s Vacant series – which partners with talented photographer Johnny Joo – explores a dozen other fascinating abandoned places just waiting to be discovered.
Editor’s Note: Due to the nature of abandoned destinations, many of the places featured in this series are off-limits to visitors or have actually been demolished. We do not condone trespassing and other illegal activity but rather encourage readers to enjoy learning about these fascinating destinations.
The visage of Mount St. Mary's Hospital in Niagara Falls is one of the most impressive in the city - and it's not surprising that it was designated a historic landmark in 2015. But it's not a place of healing anymore, and its future is very uncertain.
Originally built in 1912 under the oversight of the famous architect William P. Ginther, this stunning Neoclassical Revival building was designed as one of the most state-of-the-art hospitals in the region. It operated as a hospital for several decades, providing an atmosphere for healing with plenty of natural light.
But as a new hospital in Lewiston opened in 1965, the hospital was converted into St. Mary's Manor after a massive renovation, becoming a 104-bed nursing home. It continued to serve this new purpose until 2003.
It's not hard to see why the hospital still looms large in people's minds - its roots as a religious institution led to some stunning construction details, like in this old church gathering hall.
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Mount St. Mary's Hospital is a key part of Niagara Falls' history, playing a key role in medical advancements in the early 20th century, and debates continue over the proper way to honor its legacy.
Did you know about this abandoned hospital in New York? Its future is still uncertain, but given its historical status, there is no doubt many people will be interested. If you're interested in another abandoned building in the upstate NY area, check out our past coverage of the Bonnie Castle Greens, also part of the Vacant series. If you're looking for some more current things to do in the Niagara Falls area, check out the area's stunning state park or book a room at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview for one of the best vistas in the state.
Special thanks to Cleveland-based photographer Johnny Joo of Odd World Studio for the photos used in this article. To discover more creepy and abandoned places, check out his website, Architectural Afterlife.
Few People Know New York Was Home To The First Children’s Museum In America
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum, the first children’s museum in the world, offers fun, educational exhibits and is a must-visit family destination in New York.
When the Brooklyn Children's Museum was established over a century ago, there was nothing like it. It was the first children's museum—not just in New York, but in the entire United States. Some sources even say that it is the first children's museum in the entire world! It has an amazing history, but it's still relevant today. It's still the best children's museum in New York and offers a lot to see, do, and enjoy. Come along as we tell you all about it:
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The Brooklyn Children's Museum was founded in 1889. Its initial aim was to educate kids raised in urban environments on issues related to the natural sciences.
After World War II, however, the institution's focus shifted to technology and cultural awareness. For a good portion of the museum's history, children have had a hand in the execution of exhibits.
The original location of the museum was on a converted mansion known as the William Newton Adams House. Over the decades, the museum increased its footprint, encompassing the adjacent L.C. Smith House in 1929.
In 1977, a new building on the site was completed. In 2008, the most recent version of the museum was constructed—an expansion of the 1977 structure, much of which was underground. The expansion was built partly using 8.1 million ceramic yellow tiles—it ballooned the museum's size to 102,000 square feet.
Here is a photo of the staff all the way back in 1913!
Currently, the museum is better than ever. Their programming and culture has kept up with the times, and they even use environmentally friendly geothermal wells for heating and cooling. One great new exhibit is World Brooklyn, where kids play in children-sized versions of the kind of real shops you find all around Brooklyn.
If you are looking for a historic institution that is fun, educational and great for the entire family, then make a trip to the Brooklyn Children's Museum today! There is plenty to explore at what some people consider to be the best children's museum in New York, and overall one of the best museums in New York!