Lullaby Factory: An Imaginary Factory Making Lullabies for Hospital Children
Great Ormond Street / Bloomsbury · Clerkenwell → Angel → Rosebery Avenue → Great Ormond Street → Holborn · Public art / hospital design / sound installation
Story
An architectural challenge arose between two buildings at Great Ormond Street Hospital: a narrow service façade, packed with pipes, was visible from new patient rooms. Rather than concealing it, Studio Weave chose in 2012 to transform this space into the Lullaby Factory, an industrial fantasy. This intricate network of pipes, horns, and imaginary instruments appears to be manufacturing lullabies specifically for the children staying in the hospital. The installation rises about ten storeys high and stretches for 32 metres. The lullabies themselves were composed by Jessica Curry and could be heard through special listening points. An extension in 2017 introduced interactive elements closer to the hospital's cafeteria area. This project is significant because it turns a functional constraint of a working hospital into a visual narrative designed for the well-being of patients and their families. It is important to remember that GOSH is an active children's hospital, so this artwork should not be treated as a conventional tourist attraction; it is only accessible to those who already have legitimate reason to be within the hospital's designated public areas.
What to look for
Look for the building façade transformed into fantastic machinery. Spot the pipes, horns, funnels, and other components that simulate a ten-storey sound factory.
Secret detail
This factory was not conceived as a standalone public artwork, but rather as a creative solution to improve the view for patients facing a wall filled with technical installations.
Where exactly
The artwork is located within the Great Ormond Street Hospital campus. It can be viewed from hospital-designated public areas, including the Lagoon Restaurant or authorised internal spaces.
Orientation
The artwork is oriented towards hospital patients and visitors. It should only be visited if you already have legitimate access to the relevant public hospital areas.
Why it matters
This artwork demonstrates how design can transform a functional problem into an enriching experience, using art to enhance a hospital environment for children and create a unique point of interest.
Access & opening
Hospital access rules override everything. Do not encourage entry solely to see the artwork.
No tourist admission product.
We never show live status. Check opening hours before you go.
Accessibility
Hospital accessibility exists for patients/visitors; not a sightseeing-route parameter.