Art in healthcare: research and practice

Explore what research says about visual art in healthcare, see examples of hospital sculpture, and find practical guidance for planning a commission or donation.

A curated resource with a particular focus on permanent sculpture.

Bronze statue of Mary Seacole striding forward in front of a large bronze disc outside St Thomas’ Hospital. — *Mary Seacole Memorial* by Martin Jennings, St Thomas’ Hospital, London. Photo: Peter O’Connor (anemoneprojectors), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.

Choose your route

Understand the evidence

Read a clear summary of findings, limitations and gaps, then explore the research library.

Read the findings

See hospital examples

Explore sculptures in hospital entrances, interiors and gardens, with sources for each record.

Browse hospital sculpture

Plan a project

Work through the purpose, proposal, costs, long-term care and evaluation of a commission or donation.

Start planning

Sculpture in healthcare settings

Browse all hospital examples

Two large bronze forms of Henry Moore’s reclining figure stand in a shallow pool at the entrance of Charing Cross Hospital. — EntranceWorking Model for Reclining Figure (Lincoln Center)Henry Moore · Charing Cross Hospital, London

Brightly coloured leaf shapes in Sian Tucker’s suspended mobile hang across the hospital atrium. — InteriorFalling LeavesSian Tucker · Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London

A carved dark stone with painted leaves and a metal sculpture on a pole stand among grasses in the Waitākere Hospital sculpture garden. — GardenWaitākere Hospital sculpture gardenSeveral artists · Waitākere Hospital, Auckland

These examples document installed art; they do not establish health effects.

What does the research show?

Research reports benefits for some aspects of people’s experience of healthcare environments, alongside mixed and null findings. Results depend on the artwork, setting and intervention. The reviewed evidence does not establish a causal health effect for permanent hospital sculpture on its own.

Read the findings and limitations

Explore the research library · Why focus on sculpture?

About this resource

Public Art & Health is an editorially curated resource, rather than a systematic review. It was founded by sculptor George Petrides, whose practice includes work in healthcare settings.

Research updated 29 September 2026 · Edition 4.11

Athens roundtable in preparation

A discussion on art in healthcare is being prepared in Athens. Date, venue and format are not yet fixed.