Nevada has a long and fascinating history, so it’s no wonder we’ve gone to such extents to preserve it. For instance, many of our state’s earliest structures are still standing. Some of them have even been repurposed for different uses. One of the most shining examples of this is the old hospital located in Virginia City. Built over a century ago, this old building has a ton of historic value and it’s been incredibly preserved over the years. You can check it out for yourself and see where history, community, and art all come together!
It's no secret that Virginia City is home to all sorts of historic landmarks, but one of the most impressive is St. Mary's Art Center. This old structure has been serving the community for well over 100 years. Stepping foot into this building is like stepping into history!
The building's original name was St. Mary Louise Hospital and it was initially opened in 1875. Virginia City was in desperate need of a hospital at this time and plenty of mining accidents worked to keep this hospital busy.
The hospital served Virginia City for decades. It could accommodate more than 70 patients at a time and boasted many amenities that were considered luxurious at the time.
The hospital was run by the Daughters of Charity for many years until the late 1800s. By the end of the 19th century, many of the town's residents were moving on to the next boomtown. In 1940, the hospital closed up for good. It would sit abandoned for two decades.
In the 1960s, a priest from Saint Mary in the Mountains and a local artist teamed up to save the historic structure and preserve it for future generations. It was turned into an arts center in order to save it from demolishment.
Today, St, Mary's is part historic artifact, part community center, and part art gallery. Visitors who would like to experience a slice of Virginia City history or gaze at the local art are welcome to stop by. There's always something going on here, from creative workshops and classes to family reunions and weddings.
The old hospital is open from Friday through Sunday, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is just $5 ($3.50 for seniors and children) and it goes directly to funding the art center and keeping this historic gem open for years to come. Experience some living history and stop by the next time you're visiting the Comstock!
