Opening of the aerium 1913 (≈ 1913)
Inauguration of the building for tuberculosis children
1981
Abandonment of the site
Abandonment of the site 1981 (≈ 1981)
Permanent closure of the establishment
4 mai 2000
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 4 mai 2000 (≈ 2000)
Protection of buildings and parcel AX 52
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Buildings of the former aerium, including the cadastral plot AX 52 on which they are located: inscription by order of 4 May 2000
Key figures
Charles Duval - Architect
Manufacturer of the aerium and its extensions
Emmanuel Gonse - Architect
Co-author of initial architectural project
Origin and history
The ancient aerium d'Arès was created in the early 20th century by the Wallerstein Foundation to accommodate children who are debilitated or threatened by tuberculosis. This project, which was created by a collaboration between the medical profession and architects Charles Duval and Emmanuel Gonse, was designed to provide care through heliomarine treatments. The building, inaugurated in 1913, was distinguished by its implantation on the edge of the Arcachon basin, with an inside facade and open galleries to facilitate exposure to the sun and sea air.
In the years following its opening, the aerium was enlarged by the same architects, with extensions added to the sea to strengthen its capacity for reception. These developments retained an architecture adapted to therapeutic needs, with a single level and aerated spaces. After decades of service, the establishment was abandoned in 1981. In 2000, the buildings and their parcel (AX 52) were listed in the Historic Monuments, although the site is now abandoned.
The aerium illustrates a period when social medicine and architecture combined to combat infectious diseases, including tuberculosis. Its abandonment in 1981 marked the end of a period when these institutions played a key role in public health, while their preservation raised questions about the memory of the medical heritage. The privileged location between forest and ocean also reflected the hygienist theories of the time, combining pure air and healing.
