The artwork at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital achieves our client’s goal of reflecting the continuum of the hospital’s past, present, and future ties to the Missouri region. The artwork includes a number of original pieces commissioned by local and regional artists, as well as framed prints and canvases depicting comforting and inspirational nature scenes familiar to local patients and visitors.

The art collections on each level of the hospital represent a journey through the layers of the natural environment.

Lower Level – Lasting Layers
On the lower level, images from below the Earth’s surface such as minerals, cave stalagmites, and underground water scenes represent creations that accompany natural processes. Emphasizing elements in nature created over time such as rock formations and fossils, this “Lasting Layers” floor highlights the strength and quiet beauty that stem from history and change.

Ground Floor – Present in Nature
On the ground floor, a “Present in Nature” theme depicts scenes of trees, grasses, flowers, and the regional parks of Missouri to bring the outside in. Pieces include a wood carving inspired by Missouri lakes and rivers and ceramic tiles pressed with Missouri’s native plants. Images of nature illustrate to patients and staff the concept of taking in the surrounding beauty and living in the present moment.

Upper Levels – Bright Horizons
On the two upper “Bright Horizons” levels of the hospital, hopeful images of birds, cloud formations, and hot air balloons greet visitors and patients and illustrate the concept of reaching new heights above and beyond our existing circumstances. Notable pieces feature familiar Missouri attractions. An aerial view of a section of the Lake of the Ozarks topography and scenic landscapes of Missouri Wine Country remind patients and families of pleasant times spent at regional recreational destinations.