Metropolitan State Hospital

Metropolitan State Hospital was a major psychiatric hospital located in Waltham, Massachusetts, and later extending into Belmont and Lexington. Opened in 1930, it was part of a statewide network of facilities built to alleviate overcrowding at other institutions like Boston State Hospital and Danvers State Hospital. The hospital operated for over six decades, serving thousands of patients before its closure in 1992, and its sprawling campus and complex history have left a significant mark on the region's institutional and architectural landscape.

History

The hospital's origins trace to 1927 when the Commonwealth of Massachusetts purchased over 300 acres of land, with construction beginning shortly thereafter under the oversight of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. It opened its doors in 1930, designed as a self-contained community to treat patients from the Greater Boston area. Throughout the mid-20th century, it expanded significantly, mirroring national trends in the treatment of mental illness during the era of large-scale institutionalization. Patient populations peaked in the 1950s, with over 2,000 individuals residing on the campus. The latter half of the century saw a shift towards deinstitutionalization, influenced by new psychiatric medications, changing philosophies of care, and legal rulings, leading to a steady decline in residents. The hospital was officially shuttered by the state in 1992, joining other closed facilities like Medfield State Hospital and Taunton State Hospital.

Architecture and campus

The campus was designed in the Colonial Revival and Art Deco architectural styles, featuring a distinctive central administration building known as the "Kirkbride Plan" derivative, though adapted for a later era. The expansive grounds included numerous patient wards, medical facilities, a power plant, a water tower, a farm, and staff housing, creating a virtually autonomous village. Notable structures included the iconic clock tower and a series of interconnected tunnels used for utility services and patient movement. The property bordered the Walter E. Fernald State School and was situated near the Charles River. After closure, much of the land was repurposed; a portion now houses the UMass Field station and the Avalon at Lexington Hills apartments, while other sections have been reclaimed as open space.

Operations and services

As a state-run institution, it provided long-term custodial care and treatment for individuals with severe and chronic mental illness, including those diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The hospital operated various specialized wards, an infirmary, and occupational therapy programs. Clinical staff included psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychiatric nurses. In its later decades, it developed forensic psychiatric units, evaluating and treating patients involved with the Massachusetts court system. The facility also had ties to academic institutions, providing training grounds for students from Boston University and Harvard Medical School. Its operational model evolved from a largely custodial approach to incorporating more therapeutic community ideals before its eventual closure.

Notable events and controversies

The hospital was the site of several disturbing incidents that garnered public and media attention. In 1978, patient Melvin Wilson escaped and murdered a Waltham police officer, Francis J. O'Brien, leading to significant outcry and reviews of security protocols. The facility was also scrutinized during the era of deinstitutionalization for allegations of patient neglect and substandard conditions, paralleling investigations at Bridgewater State Hospital. Perhaps most infamously, the grounds became linked to the Boston Strangler case, as alleged killer Albert DeSalvo was briefly employed there as a handyman in the early 1960s. These events contributed to its ominous reputation in local lore.

In popular culture

The abandoned hospital's imposing, decayed buildings have made it a frequent subject of urban exploration and have served as a filming location for several horror and supernatural films, capitalizing on its eerie atmosphere. It notably featured in the 2001 movie Session 9, which was shot on location and used the facility's unsettling visuals to tell a story of psychological horror. The site has also been referenced in episodes of television series like Ghost Hunters and has inspired segments on New England Cable News. Its legacy persists in local legends and online forums dedicated to asylum history and paranormal investigation.