Arresting art photography takes the curious into the depths of worlds that normally remain hidden behind gardens overrun with wild vegetation and tall fences blazoned with "Keep Out!" signs. Photographer Martin ten Bouwhuijs's regular urban exploration missions throughout Western Europe have culminated in this collection of haunting images made in abandoned hospitals, morgues, monasteries, power plants, schools, factories, swimming pools, and castles. Each location is described in a brief history. Capturing the venues in various states of neglect, these photographs reveal remnants of once-habitable spaces: from furniture still in place but covered in thick dust to dramatic vaulted ceilings speckled in mold and water stains to walls that have given way in complete disrepair. More than 150 dramatic images continually heighten anticipation by showing long views down empty corridors and wide views of rooms with doors that lead elsewhere - you never really know what you are going to see around the next corner.

When exploring the remains of forgotten buildings and abandoned lots in Eastern and Western Europe, a sign with "Trespassers will be prosecuted!" is usually what you'll find outside. Imposing, seemingly lifeless structures-some abandoned for more than 25 years-including churches, mortuaries, factories, hospitals, swimming pools, and more, become reanimated in this series of arresting, sensually provocative images. On many buildings, unaffected by human interference for years, only beautiful, natural decay can be seen: moss growing on mattresses and cars, wallpaper peeling, and complete floors-beds, pianos, and all-having completely collapsed. These images are the results of daring photographic escapades, out of which is born a new appreciation for the beautiful architecture and the awe-inspiring grandeur of far-gone days. Surreal angles, from bottoms of stairwells in vacant sanatoria, and in an unsupervised Swedish junkyard, bring the photography to life and keep the interest in this urban expedition at a thrilling peak.