The Art Program at Montage Health offers a unique, restorative experience, that goes beyond traditional healthcare settings. The art found throughout our facilities creates an interior space that is as therapeutic and beautiful as the natural landscape outside, providing patients and their family a space to heal, while also providing the opportunity for enjoyment and curiosity.
Montage Health was founded on a progressive belief in the healing benefits of integrating medicine with nature and art. Montage Health’s art collection dates back 90 years to the original Peninsula Community Hospital, founded in 1934. From the beginning, Montage Health has been visionary in creating a healing environment that integrates art, music, and nature. Today, more than half of U.S. hospitals have arts programs — a testament to the positive impacts of art on well-being.
Throughout the years, the art collection has grown because of generous donations to Montage Health Foundation from artists and collectors. Today, there are nearly 9,000 artworks in the collection, and the program curates dozens of new or renovated spaces every year.
Healing benefits of medicine, nature, and art
Maurine Church Coburn, a founding member of the hospital’s Board of Trustees, was a passionate advocate for the role arts play in creating a healing environment. To this day, the Maurine Church Coburn endowment fund supports Montage Health’s Arts in Health program, landscaping, free or discounted care for low-income patients through our Sponsored Care program, and the Maurine Church Coburn School of Nursing in partnership with Monterey Peninsula College.
Art provides a restorative counterpoint to traditional healthcare settings. According to recent research, art in healthcare spaces can:
- Offer a positive diversion
- Support stress relief
- Enhance emotion regulation
- Encourage contemplation
- Promote self-efficacy and resilience
- Provide wayfinding assistance
- Improve overall patient experience
Check out the Art Cart
Launched in 2024 in collaboration with Montage Health Foundation’s volunteer program, the Art Cart program provides patients and their families with art activities and supplies. This opportunity to engage in creative activities aims to promote a positive patient experience and encourage moments of self-expression, autonomy, and comfort during their stay.
This program currently serves Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and Ohana thanks to our incredible Montage Health Foundation volunteers.
Art at Ohana
Uplifting color and energy
Ohana Center for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health is an innovative campus designed to heal and based on the very latest research on healthcare facilities. In every corner of the campus, visitors encounter artworks curated to amplify the optimism and values of Ohana, and to engage visitors with uplifting color and creative energy. The art selected for Ohana is tailored for kids and teens; coordinated to be of specific use to clinicians; and intended to provide enjoyment for youth and families. It reflects Montage Health’s bold community leadership and Ohana’s transformative approach to mental health services.
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