Ribbon cutting and guided tours set for Thursday, March 5, 5–7 pm
Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital invites staff, families, and the community to a special ribbon cutting and guided tour on Thursday, March 5, from 5–7 p.m., celebrating the revival of the hospital’s historic, student created tunnel murals. Restored reproductions of the artwork are now displayed on the first floor, while the original 4x10 foot murals—created by Manistee County high school art students—will be featured during guided tours of the underground tunnel.
In the early 2000s, the former West Shore Medical Center (now Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital) sought meaningful ways to promote wellness and connection within the hospital environment. During student visits for the Fit Kids program, hospital leaders recognized the remarkable creativity of local students and saw an opportunity in the long tunnel connecting the hospital to the Medical Care Facility. Beginning in 2009, high school art students and teachers transformed that passage over volunteer weekends—hand painting 17 large scale murals using donated supplies.
Over five years, the tunnel evolved into a vibrant underground gallery symbolizing movement, healing, and community connection for a space used daily for patient transport.
“These murals reflect the heart of Manistee—creativity, collaboration, and care,” said Peter Marinoff, President and CEO Munson Healthcare South Region. “By reviving them on our first floor and opening the original tunnel for tours, we’re honoring the students who gave our community a lasting gift—and we’re inviting everyone to experience that spirit again.”
This event celebrates a unique chapter of Manistee’s history—17 murals created by local high school students, now revived for the community to enjoy. Guests are invited to experience both the new first floor gallery and the original underground tunnel murals through guided tours. The revival honors the original spirit of collaboration, creativity, and wellness that inspired the project more than a decade ago and reflects Manistee Hospital’s ongoing commitment to celebrating local culture and shared history.
Event Details
What: “Through the Tunnel” Ribbon Cutting & Guided Tour
When: Thursday, March 5, 5–7 p.m. (Ribbon cutting at 5:15 p.m.; tours to follow)
Where: Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital, Main Entrance
Who: Open to staff, families, and the public
Cost: Free
Accessibility: First floor exhibit is fully accessible; staff will support guided tunnel tours.
About the Murals
Students scaled their original sketches into 4x10 foot masterpieces, hand painting each mural with donated paint and volunteer time. The collection became a symbol of healing and connection—brightening a corridor essential to patient movement. Today’s revitalization preserves the artwork’s legacy with restored reproductions on the first floor and special access to the originals underground.
With gratitude to photographers Carol Lynne Locey and Steve Growcock, whose skill and care helped recapture these images with fidelity and heart, allowing the community to experience the murals anew.