The haunted asylum in Hungary
The Lipótmező asylum was built in 1868. Crumbling walls, dropping plaster, and deathly silence. This is what characterises the mental hospital today.The National Institute of Psychology and Neurology (O.P.N.I) functioned for 139 years.
The size of OPNI is simply stunning. The main building built in 1868 is only a few square meters smaller than the Hungarian Parliament.
The corridors are so long, you barely see the other end, thats how big the main building is.
The institution from its inauguration until the beginning of the twentieth century was rather a prison than a place for therapy, since back then the goal was to eliminate the patients from society as quickly and firmly as possible.
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Some of the best spots in the building
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In the middle of the building, there is a world-famous glass window in the chapel made by Miksa Róth. These survived World War II because they were taken off their hinges and moved to in the cellar.
The old kitchen has an interesting glass roof that is now totally decayed.
Before entering the chapel, you have to go through a marvelous looking corridor.
In the basement you can find lamps that are still working.
OPNI was closed down in 2007 based on the law about the development of the sanitary system, and a great deal of the inmates ended up on the streets of Budapest. Some are still living in the woods near the institute.
Following its renovation, a new boarding school will move into the building. The school will be operated by the Central European Education Foundation, which according to a parliamentary proposal will be the trustee of the building. As the minister confirmed in the video, the property will remain state-owned.
