The art collection for Northwestern includes monumental paintings and other original works on paper in all public spaces, lesser works in all patient areas, back-lighted photography in all inpatient imaging areas, and stained glass in the chapel.

The search for artists for this project included galleries and museums in twenty-three cities. The work of more the 2,000 artists was reviewed to create the final body of work for the collection. The majority of original work was commissioned in order to meet specific design and space requirements of the building.

The goals of the art program were threefold: first, to create a collection worthy of a world-class facility; second, to develop the collection based on scientific findings in the field of art in the healing environment; and third, to represent the great cultural diversity of both Northwestern and the city of Chicago.

This signature project has been touted worldwide as a benchmark for what healthcare art programs in the 21st century should be.