Hidden within Villejuif, the Centre Hospitalier Paul Guiraud whispers stories of a complex past. Originally built between 1882 and 1889, the hospital’s architecture, designed by Henri Maréchal, reflects a different era. In 1883, a cemetery, the Cimetière des Pommiers, became a somber addition to the grounds. The Centre Hospitalier Paul Guiraud received its first patients in 1884. Over the years, expansions in 1899, 1910, and 1934 marked its growth and evolving needs. The hospital’s name has changed over time, reflecting shifts in societal attitudes towards mental health. Once known as the “asile de Villejuif” (Villejuif Asylum), it was later called the “hôpital psychiatrique de Villejuif.” In 1990, it was renamed to honor psychiatrist Paul Guiraud, a former head of service at the institution. Centre Hospitalier Paul Guiraud houses a specialized unit, the Unité pour malades difficiles (UMD), established in 1902 by psychiatrist Henri Colin. This unit, originally referred to as the “quartier de sûreté” or “third section,” addressed the needs of patients considered particularly challenging. The hospital’s history is intertwined with significant figures like Louis Rimbault, a member of the Bonnot Gang, who was once a patient. Distinguished physicians, such as Paul Sérieux, Joseph Rogues de Fursac, Auguste Marie, and Paul Meunier (known by his pen name Marcel Réja), have also been associated with the Centre Hospitalier Paul Guiraud, shaping its medical legacy. In 1992, in a move towards simpler identification, the Centre Hospitalier Paul Guiraud adopted the acronym “PGV.” This seemingly minor change reflects the hospital’s ongoing evolution and its efforts to adapt to the changing landscape of mental healthcare.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to