HEALTHCARE CHECKUP
HEALTHCARE CHECKUP
Alexander ' s Iconic Mural Panels Find New Home at The Valley Hospital
Valley Health System is pleased to display panels from Polish-born artist Stefan Knapp ’ s mural entitled “ The World ” on the grounds of The Valley Hospital in Paramus . The mural was prominently displayed for decades on the exterior of Alexander ’ s department store in Paramus .
In 1961 , Knapp , a WWII prison camp survivor , was commissioned to paint the 280- panel mural , to be displayed on the exterior of Alexander ’ s . The design of the mural was said to be a map of the world , inspired by the views he saw while flying as a pilot for the Royal Airforce . The mural became one of Paramus ’ most wellknown landmarks . The store closed in 1992 , and when the building was torn down in 1998 , the panels were disassembled and placed in storage where they have remained for the past 25 years .
“ A healing environment provided to patients and their families plays a crucial role in recovery . This environment includes various elements such as amenities , lighting , room temperature , sound , and art ,” said Audrey Meyers , President and CEO of Valley Health System . “ Whether our patients are appreciating the beauty of the panels from their room or a family member is walking past the panels in the gardens , we believe the beauty of the art will aid in the healing process for our patients and their families .”
Valley Health System acquired the panels in 2021 , an acquisition spearheaded by Robin Goldfischer , Senior Vice President and General Counsel , for Valley Health System .
Working with conservators from Aegis Restauro , LLC , the conservation of the Stefan Knapp panels included meticulously cleaning each panel of art and reinforcing their metal frames . The two-year project was completed this year .
Twenty-four of the panels are now proudly displayed in the gardens at The Valley Hospital in Paramus . When the hospital opens in April , visitors will be able to stroll along walking paths and admire the beauty of this artwork up close .
Additionally , a display of the panels that feature Knapp ’ s signature is located inside the hospital near the hospital ’ s conference center , steps from the front entrance .
“ The Knapp panels long served as a landmark in the Borough of Paramus . We are proud to have returned the panels to our community where they will remain for generations to come ,” said Goldfischer .
Forty-eight of the panels will be displayed in different Valley Health System locations , including the new hospital , a medical arts building located at 140 East Ridgewood Avenue , in Paramus , and the Robert and Audrey Luckow Pavilion , which houses Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care and a same-day surgery center .
The Valley Hospital in Paramus will open its doors on Sunday , April 14 , 2024 . For more information about the progress of The Valley Hospital in Paramus , please visit ValleyHealth . com / NewHospital .
Panels from artist Stefan Knapp ’ s mural entitled “ The World ” returns to Paramus at The Valley Hospital .
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