NEWS

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ, October 2, 2025—Patients, staff, and visitors to The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital will soon be greeted by familiar and friendly faces—Snoopy and friends—thanks to a new mural that was painted on Thursday, October 2 in the hospital’s pediatric playroom. The mural is a permanent gift to The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s as part of a joint effort between Peanuts Worldwide, Saint Peter’s, and the Foundation for Hospital Art (FHA).

With enthusiasm and paintbrushes in hand, pediatric patients and staff collaborated on bringing to life the paint-by-numbers-style, 56”x49” six-panel mural, which celebrates Peanuts’ 75th Anniversary year. The comic strip debuted on October 2, 1950. The mural features a brightly colored image of the Peanuts ensemble including Charlie Brown, Snoopy and Woodstock, Linus, Lucy, Franklin, and Sally, all dancing happily.

“We are thrilled and moved to see Charles Schulz’s iconic characters share their irrepressible joy with the patients at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital,” said Melissa Menta, Senior Vice President, Global Brand and Communications, Peanuts Worldwide. “At a time when we all need hope and humor, we believe he would be thrilled to know that his work is bringing both to adults and children across the globe.”

According to the National Institutes of Health, creative expression can play a role in recovery and provide a means of personal empowerment.

“The team at Saint Peter’s is excited to offer this one-of-a-kind group art initiative,” said Kristal Neal, CCLS, child life coordinator at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. “Snoopy represents the best of all of us—imagination, confidence, resilience, and of course, enormous, good humor. These types of artistic projects offer numerous benefits to a patient’s well-being including the reduction of stress and anxiety often associated with being in a hospital setting and away from one’s home.”

Saint Peter’s Child Life Program uses play and specialized therapies to support young patients, offering engaging activities in both group and bedside settings. A dedicated music therapist provides music to comfort, soothe, and reduce pain, even teaching long-term patients the art of songwriting and music-making. The program also includes visits from specially trained therapy dogs, giving children and teens a chance to relax and enjoy some friendly, comforting company. These creative therapies make a big difference in brightening patients’ days and helping families feel more at ease during their stay.

The mural at Saint Peter’s is one of hundreds being placed in hospitals on all seven continents as part of the multi-year “Take Care With Peanuts” Hospital Mural Program. Launched in 2020, the Take Care initiative of global caring, whose themes come directly from Schulz’s strips, encourages everyone to “Take Care of Yourself,” “Take Care of Each Other,” and “Take Care of the Earth.” The first hospital mural campaign, also in 2020, was such a success that it continues as a “memorable moment” for the brand. Throughout the year, Peanuts has celebrated with Memorable Moments around the globe, of which the Hospital Mural Program is a cornerstone.

“Our nonprofit is dedicated to making hospital visits a friendlier, more hope-filled experience for patients through the power of art—and who can do that more effectively than Peanuts?” said Scott Feight, Executive Director, Foundation for Hospital Art. “Charles Schulz created indelible characters who bring joy to all who see them, which is why Peanuts is such a perfectly aligned partner for the Foundation for Hospital Art.”

 
75 Years of Peanuts

In 1950, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang were first introduced to the world. In the 75 years since, Peanuts has become a global phenomenon, encompassing award-winning animated content, stage shows and live experiences, high profile collaborations, and retail programs around the world. Artists, musicians, philosophers, and fans have been inspired by Charles Schulz’ creation for over seven decades and there is no end in sight for this beloved cast of characters who speak so beautifully and simply to the human experience.