Stressed? Sick? Swiss Town Lets Doctors Prescribe Free Museum Visits as Art Therapy
A new two-year pilot in Neuchâtel, Switzerland allows doctors to prescribe free museum visits as art therapy to boost mental and physical well-being.
Published on March 29, 2025
In Neuchâtel, Switzerland, a two-year pilot project is giving doctors the innovative option to prescribe free museum visits as art therapy for patients. Launched in early 2025 and inspired by a 2019 WHO report, the initiative aims to enhance mental health and well-being while offering a refreshing alternative to traditional treatments.
Since the program's inception, 500 prescriptions have been issued, supported by local and regional authorities with an initial budget of 10,000 Swiss francs. There is potential for the project to expand to other cultural activities, echoing a similar successful initiative in Montreal, Canada, and reflecting the growing recognition of art's role in healthcare.