The artistic landscape of Paramus, New Jersey has been enriched with a significant piece of history—The mural works of Stefan Knapp from the Alexander Building in New York. These iconic panels found a new home at the "Valley Hospital" Hospital in Paramus, where they were cleverly arranged into tripartite columns, each containing six elements, creating an impressive impression.
Murale, originally installed on the Alexander’s department store building in 1964, are significant not only because of their vibrant colors and abstract forms, but also because of the stormy past of their creator. Stefan Knapp, a Polish artist and survivor of the World War II POW camp, created these panels using a unique technique of enamel and glass on steel. This method ensured that murals could withstand the test of time and elements, preserving their brilliance for future generations.
After Alexander's closure in 1992, the fate of Knapp's murals hung in the hair until they were saved and later displayed in Art Factory in Paterson. Now, as part of the new "Valley Hospital", these murals have received an honorary place, where they stand in front of the hospital and in the surrounding park. The arrangement of panels in the column offers a modern interpretation of Knapp's work, allowing visitors and patients to dynamic and interactively engage in art.
The transfer of these murals is more than just a conservation effort; it is a celebration of Knapp's heritage and a testimony to the permanent power of public art. When facing the Hospital "Valley Hospital", they offer a source of inspiration and a visual connection to the rich cultural heritage of the region. Murale not only enhances the visual attractiveness of the hospital area, but also serves as a symbol of community involvement in celebrating art and history.
The new "Valley Hospital" building, with its thoughtful inclusion of Stefan Knapp's murals, stands as a beacon of innovation in the field of health care and art appreciation. It is a place where treatment and art combine, offering comfort and beauty to all who visit it. Opening its doors, the hospital also opens a new chapter for these esteemed works of art, ensuring that Stefan Knapp's vision continues to resonate in the heart of Paramus.
Updated works at "Valley Hospital" Paramus.
Installed panels. September 2025.
Selected photos from Google profile "Valley Hospital" Paramus.
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