For over a decade, photographer Bryan Sansivero has been exploring the United States in search of abandoned and dilapidated homes, each with a unique narrative. His findings are compiled in his new book, “America the Abandoned.”
These homes, worn by the elements and the passage of time, are captured in solitary frames reminiscent of forgotten monuments. The images evoke a sense of haunting nostalgia: Victorian-era turrets with boarded windows, paint peeling from once-grand columns, and empty verandas that may have once been alive with social gatherings.
Within these deserted spaces, such as old farmsteads and lavish Antebellum plantation houses, Sansivero uncovers residences that have not been entirely emptied. Musty libraries filled with books and personal artifacts, alongside untouched coffee mugs and dust-covered pianos, create a vivid connection to lives once lived. “It”s about capturing these time capsules; these lost places,” he stated during a phone interview. “I like the mystery of not knowing what you”re going to find.”
His journey into documenting abandoned structures began during his college years as a film studies major, where his thesis focused on the Kings Park Psychiatric Center in Long Island. Over time, his interest evolved toward private residences, which are plentiful across the country. As urban exploration, or “urbex,” has gained popularity as a monetized social media trend, Sansivero has consciously chosen to pursue a more thoughtful approach.
While many photographers rush to capture abandoned hospitals, churches, and schools, Sansivero finds that houses carry a sense of serendipity. He noted, “If you go viral, you can get two million likes and hundreds of thousands of followers… it becomes about the most views, the biggest and the best.” He counters this trend by favoring the slower, more deliberate process of medium-format film photography, despite sharing his work with over 100,000 followers on Instagram.
His explorations are not without peril. Sansivero has encountered hazards such as inhaling mold, falling through rotting floors, and navigating unstable structures. Nevertheless, he remains undeterred, drawn to dramatic architectural features and unique collections, such as rooms filled with vintage dolls or homes still decorated for past holidays.
In his book, he presents limited personal details about the former inhabitants of the homes, choosing to anonymize their stories. This decision reflects a desire to avoid the potential exploitation of tragic narratives common in social media culture. Among the homes featured are those once occupied by significant figures, including a local politician and a Pulitzer Prize-winning author.
Recently, Sansivero”s interests have expanded beyond American borders, leading him to explore ancient chateaus and castles in Europe. While “America the Abandoned” serves as a capstone to his decade-long focus on U.S. homes, he acknowledges that this is likely just a pause in his ongoing exploration, as there will always be new stories waiting to be discovered.
Images from “America the Abandoned: Captivating Portraits of Deserted Homes” are © 2025 Bryan Sansivero, used with permission from Artisan, all rights reserved.
