Opened in 1531 in Anvers to replace the old stock exchange in Hofstraat, the "Handelsbeurs" (New Exchange) was designed by the Antwerp architect, Domien De Waghemakere (1460-1542) and burnt down on two occasions, in 1583 and 1858. After the last...
Urban and rural photographic exploration
The old abandoned gymnastics club
How to destroy art in one lesson
Montréal (Quebec), Canada
Abandoned in June 2014, the old movie theater had only a few decorative elements including the ceiling and its front to recall the original purpose of the building. It must be said that once closed in 1982, the intern architecture has been completely renovated to accommodate a second floor with a community gym.
That means that the first floor has been completely transformed. The bleachers have been trashed and the structure of the building was laid bare to re-divide the space. The result was such that there was no trace of the movie theater past on the ground floor. New premises were built to host the dressing rooms, a hair salon, workout rooms and more.
Today, the basement is flooded where stagnates a musty smell escape from the ten centimeters of water to your nose. Add to that the first floor who shows traces of mold here and there.
Upstairs, where a large gym has required a great gerrymandering of the Streamline Moderne architecture style of the building (late branch of the Art Deco style that emerged in the 30s but is often associated to the 1950s), we are found a few vestiges of that bygone era. Emmanuel Briffa, the interior designer responsible for the decor would have turned in his grave a few times if he had seen the result ...
Photo gallery
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About Urbex playground
First of all, Urbex Playground is about urban and rural photography lovers. It is the respect of the places we have visited and to whom we have a great admiration. Of its contents, Urbex Playground wishes to preserve the memory of these abandoned, destroyed or dilapidated places who have made the glory of our fathers and which today we have, alas, not enough compassion.
We are not vandals or people necessarily involved in the preservation of these places. We do not pretend to believe that our pictures will change anything in the future of these churches, factories, homes and other abandoned buildings. We're just passionate about the image in the perpetual quest for new photographic challenges.
Urbex Playground is not a photo club, any more than we are touristic guides for these forbidden places. Moreover, in any case, Urbex Playground do not invites you to visit these places without the consent of its owners. These places are dangerous and by entering into these places, legal actions can be taken against you.
However, if you have pictures or information about any abandoned places, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be glad to publish them on the site, including your credit with your name and your website. Like this, our visitors will be able to visite your own website. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
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