A Ghostly Glam: Breathing Art into the Haunted Halls of Indiana State Sanatorium
In the heart of Indianapolis lies a relic of history, the Indiana State Sanitorium, a place once teeming with stories and old-world charm. This timeless venue, which transitioned from a tuberculosis hospital to a mental care facility over the decades, is no stranger to the eerie whispers of the past. 1 2 3. Yet, on one fateful day, it bore witness to a fusion of haunting beauty and creative expression, thanks to the artistic ventures of Astra Lux Studios.
Astra Lux Studios, known for its enchanting space-themed aesthetics, decided to delve into a project that embraces both the mystical aura of the sanitorium and the allure of vintage glam. Along with the captivating model Courtney France and the magic touch of hair and makeup artist Chie Sharp, a narrative of timeless elegance amidst forgotten tales was spun.
The first set was nothing short of a retro reverie. Nestled amidst an abandoned laundromat within the sanitorium, the setting exuded a nostalgic charm. The rusty old bike, paired with Courtney's pin-up attire, transported us back in time. Each click of the camera seemed to echo through the once bustling halls, now silent but for our presence.
As we moved to the main stairway entrance room of the sanitorium, the scene transitioned from retro to regal. Courtney, now adorned in a beautiful dress, looked nothing less than a modern-day princess. The echoes of the past seemed to bow to the elegance of the present as we captured moments in the adjoining hair salon, where Chie's expertise shone through every strand of Courtney's hair.
The final set was where haunting met hauntingly beautiful. In the deserted pool of the sanitorium, we introduced a visceral element that resonated with the sanitorium's eerie ambiance - fake blood. As the crimson liquid danced around Courtney, each photograph captured the stark contrast between the serene beauty of our model and the unsettling silence of the forsaken place.
Our adventure in the heart of Haunted Indiana was not merely a photoshoot but an exploration of stories untold, of beauty intermingling with remnants of a time gone by. It was a tribute to the forgotten souls that once roamed the halls of the Indiana State Sanitorium, a place that now stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of art and history.
Each frame captured is a narrative, a blend of the old with the new, a tribute to the enigmatic charm of Indianapolis and the stories etched into the walls of the Indiana State Sanitorium. And as we packed our gear, the sun cast long shadows on the sanitorium, almost as if bidding adieu to the tales we spun, awaiting the next whisper of creativity to grace its halls.
If your curiosity has been piqued and you're planning a visit, finding your way to the Indiana State Sanitorium is a straightforward venture. It's located in Rockville, Indiana, which is an engaging drive from the bustling heart of Indianapolis. The journey not only leads you to the doors of the sanitorium but also unveils a quaint side of Indiana, showcasing the serene countryside that contrasts with the urban hustle.
The sanitorium isn’t the only stop on your list of "things to do in Indiana." The state is brimming with history, and places like the Haunted Whispers Estate in Mitchell and the eerie Culbertson Mansion in New Albany are sure to send a chill down the spine of those who dare to delve into the unknown. Indiana is a state where the past mingles with the present, offering an intriguing exploration for those who seek to uncover stories etched in time.
Haunted Indiana is a realm waiting to be explored, where every corner holds a tale, some eerie, others filled with bygone elegance. Our escapade at the Indiana State Sanitorium was a dive into this enigmatic world, blending the allure of vintage glamour with the mystique of a place paused in time.
As each photograph from our adventure gets a final touch at Astra Lux Studios, we can’t help but feel a sense of fulfillment in having brought a piece of history alive, intertwining it with a modern-day fairy tale. And as you go through the captures, we hope you too, find the ghostly glamour as enthralling as the day the old met the new.