Hansen House (Jerusalem)

Hansen House is a historic building located in Jerusalem, Israel. Originally established as a hospital for the treatment of leprosy, it has since been transformed into a cultural and arts center. The building is named after Gerhard Armauer Hansen, the Norwegian physician who discovered the leprosy-causing bacterium, Mycobacterium leprae, in 1873. Hansen House serves as a significant landmark in Jerusalem, reflecting the city's rich history and its evolution from a medical facility to a hub of creativity and innovation.

History

The Hansen House was built in 1887 as a leprosarium, or leper hospital, by the Protestant community under the auspices of the Moravian Church, also known as the Herrnhuter Brüdergemeine. The facility was designed to isolate and treat patients suffering from leprosy, a disease that was highly stigmatized at the time. The architecture of the building reflects the medical and social practices of the era, with an emphasis on segregation from the surrounding community.

Over the years, advancements in medical science, particularly the development of effective treatments for leprosy, led to a decrease in the need for specialized leprosariums. By the mid-20th century, the Hansen Hospital had ceased to operate as a leprosy treatment center. The building underwent several changes in function before being repurposed as a cultural and arts center.

Cultural and Arts Center

Today, Hansen House is a vibrant cultural and arts center that hosts a variety of events, exhibitions, and workshops. It serves as a platform for contemporary art, design, and media, fostering creativity and innovation. The center is also home to several organizations and initiatives that aim to promote cultural exchange and dialogue.

The transformation of Hansen House from a hospital to a cultural center is reflective of broader societal changes, including shifts in attitudes towards leprosy and the repurposing of historic buildings to serve new community needs.

Architecture

The architecture of Hansen House is notable for its blend of European and local styles, characteristic of the late 19th century. The building features high ceilings, large windows, and spacious courtyards, designed to accommodate the medical needs of its patients while also providing a degree of comfort and dignity. The preservation of the building's architectural heritage has been a key consideration in its conversion into a cultural center, with efforts made to maintain its historical integrity while adapting it for contemporary use.

Significance

Hansen House stands as a testament to Jerusalem's complex history and its capacity for renewal and transformation. It embodies the city's ability to repurpose its historical buildings in ways that honor their past while also serving the present and future needs of the community. As a cultural and arts center, Hansen House contributes to the vibrant cultural landscape of Jerusalem, offering a space for creative expression and cultural exchange.

See Also

• Leprosy in history
• Cultural centers in Israel
• Historic buildings in Jerusalem