Mali beli gaj (Little White Grove) stands beside the Oncology Department of the University Medical Centre Maribor on Ljubljanska Street. Designed by landscape architect Tina Kuhar, it is the sixteenth installation in the Stories of Benches and People project. Opened on 17 June 2020, it transformed a neglected courtyard into a planted space where patients, their loved ones and hospital staff can sit, meet and take a break.
At its centre are three benches made from concrete and wood, each shaped like the number three. They represent the connection between patients, families and healthcare professionals. White birch trees and shrubs create a green-and-white setting. The swaying birch branches symbolise the joy of life, while circles in the paving suggest enduring bonds.
The installation combines art, landscape architecture and the hospital environment. Paths accommodate wheelchairs and walking aids, making the space accessible to people with different mobility needs. Little White Grove offers a place for conversation and quiet moments beside the hospital.
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2000 Maribor