Abstract
In recent years, museums have increasingly embraced programs aimed at health and well-being. Examples include meditation and yoga sessions (such as Zaragoza museums’ Museo del Bienestar), hospital-based collaborations (Prado Inclusivo 2024/2025), and mental health workshops (such as Hablar con la mirada at the National Art Museum of Catalonia). This trend is grounded in a growing body of research demonstrating the positive effects of culture, art, and museum engagement on individual and community health. Notable among these is the influential 2019 study by Fancourt & Finn for the World Health Organization, which highlights the significant potential of the arts to support well-being. While these findings have garnered widespread support, some critics suggest that the impact of museums on health may be overstated. Although museums can serve as valuable resources for well-being, they should not be regarded as primary agents for health outcomes. The shift towards well-being in museums also presents several challenges, such as the need for museums to understand their role within the broader and complex network of influences on health and well-being. Additionally, a strong focus on well-being may sometimes conflict with other institutional objectives, including those related to tourism and education. My study critically examine the role of museums in fostering health and well-being, reflecting on recent initiatives in this area and assessing their implications for the future of museum practice.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Art Museums, Health, Wellbeing, Visitors
