Marys — A Playful Hospital
A playful hospital that feels safe and homely for the whole family — that’s the vision behind Rigshospitalet’s new building for pregnant people, children, and young people: Mary Elizabeths Hospital (MARYS), opening in 2027.
We visited the hospital’s test centre to learn more about the project, and to explore how MODU could be integrated into an environment where everyday life, play, and healing go hand in hand.
About Mary Elizabeths Hospital
Mary Elizabeths Hospital is Rigshospitalet’s newest specialised hospital, bringing together care for children, adolescents, and pregnant people under one roof. The project has been in development since 2014, with ideas co-created in close collaboration with patients, families, and staff.
The vision is to create a groundbreaking hospital that is both medically excellent and comforting, where patients and their families can continue living their lives even while receiving treatment. MARYS is designed with the whole person and family in mind, focusing not merely on clinical care but on enhancing quality of life throughout the entire hospital experience.
The Role of Play
Play is at the heart of MARYS — woven into architecture, interiors, and care itself. It’s about creating an environment where everyday life, treatment, and play come together naturally. A playful environment supports family wellbeing, strengthens children’s sense of security, and helps ensure that their development doesn’t stall during a hospital stay.
A Temporary Home
The patient room becomes the family’s base during their stay. A warm, homely atmosphere is crucial for helping families feel grounded and supported, even in a clinical setting. That’s why the design prioritises colours, décor, and materials like wood and textiles — all elements that reinforce the hospital’s playful approach.
MODU: Play That Moves With the Family
In the patient rooms and common areas, play isn’t only part of the décor — it's embedded in the physical environment itself. Multifunctional furniture and clever storage solutions make it easy to maintain everyday routines while also creating space for engagement for patients, siblings, and visitors.
In this context, MODU offers a variety of opportunities for creative play and physical exploration. With its wide age range and versatile functionality, the toy can be adapted to the needs of families and staff, inviting free play while also serving as a tool in treatment and rehabilitation.
“Children need to be able to play and have fun — that is the most important part of their healing process. The happier they and their parents are, the faster they recover and the sooner they can go home.”
— Father of a 6‑year‑old
Mary Elizabeths Hospital is expected to be completed in 2027, with approximately 60,000 m² spread across multiple floors. Once operational, more than 1,000 children, young people, and pregnant patients will receive care alongside their families every day.
Read more about Mary Elizabeths Hospital and the project’s vision on their official website here.
