Photos: A walk through Mayo Clinic's healing art

Man and Freedom by Ivan Mestrovic
"Man and Freedom" by Ivan Mestrovic: Mestrovic was a Croatian sculptor who created this 27 ft. statue as a token of gratitude for the United States for its role in freeing Nazi concentration camp prisoners. It is located in the Landow Atrium of the Gonda Building. It formerly hung outside the Mayo building.
Jerry Olson for MPR News

Auguste Rodin, Andy Warhol and Alexander Calder never trained a doctor, performed surgery or cured a disease. But their timeless art, on display around Mayo Clinic, still offers a kind of medicine.

"The arts do have a healing aspect. They improve the quality of experience for patients," Dr. Paul Scanlon, a specialist in pulmonary and critical care medicine, said as he walked a reporter and photographer recently around some of Mayo's most notable pieces.

The clinic's 30-year-old humanities program is rooted in the belief that art and healing are closely tied. It's a conviction traceable to clinic founders William and Charles Mayo.

Scanlon, who heads the humanities program, began the tour at the Gonda Building, a 20-story glass edifice that houses many of the hospital's outpatient services.

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.