Sanford officials wanted to create a kid-friendly environment for all to enjoy. But it's hoped the beautiful drawings and intricate details of the castle will do much more than just catch your eye.

Walking through the hospital is quite an experience. From the Deep Blue Waters and the Rushing River Valley to the Wide Windy Prairie and the Land of Nez, and don't forget the Enchanted Forest---each floor represents one of the five kingdoms of Sanford Castle.

"Within each of those lands we wanted animal characters that were there to support the child on their journey and to accompany them as they went,” Ivy Oland, the consultant who coordinated the artwork said. She continued, “so we really wanted to make sure the interior was as impactful as the exterior was, because of course as kids are going by and they're going to be excited to get inside and we didn't want it to be a let down.”

And it certainly isn't for four-year-old Ayden Konakowitz and his mom, Monica.

"He does enjoy coming to the castle a lot better than when we were are the other hospital because I think it was a lot more adult-made you know versus here it's just specifically for children and he really appreciates that" Monica said.

Out of more than 100 proposals, a committee chose 35 regional artists to create the artwork for the hospital.

“Our goals included things like bringing the beauty of nature inside, building a bridge between the hospital and our community, of course upholding the castle themes throughout,” Oland said.

And along with those goals, helping patients.

“You know, for a long time it was sort of this feel good idea that artwork could improve outcomes, and in recent works, there's been a lot more research and studies that really truly support that art does promote healing--the appropriate art does promote healing,” Oland said.

For example, the pictures in these frames hanging in many of the hallways and in each room were done by children in the community.

“So they can be switched out very easily with artwork made by kids staying in the hospital or their brothers and sisters. And it also allows us to be a provider of choice and a provider of change within a hospital setting,” Oland said.

The bright colors and interesting designs also keep kids distracted.

“The whole environment just makes him more comfortable and I think it's very important because he's not someone who likes to sit for 4 hours in just a plain boring room---it just won't work,” Monica said.

It's making Ayden's journey with cancer a little easier.

“He considers it his castle because he just thinks it's a big toy and he actually looked forward to coming into the hospital because we are going into the castle versus the regular hospital,” Monica said.