A hospital in Brussels is offering “museum prescriptions” as a therapy for patients suffering from depression, stress, or anxiety. The project aims to provide access to cultural institutions and show that they are for everyone, even those who may not feel comfortable in museums. Inspired by a similar project in Canada, the pilot program is running for six months and involves five museums. Patients can visit a variety of cultural attractions, including a sewer museum and a collection of outfits belonging to the Manneken Pis statue. The museum prescriptions are seen as an additional tool in the healing process and can benefit a wide range of mental health conditions. If successful, the program may be expanded to include other museums, hospitals, and patient groups, offering the benefits of cultural therapy to a wider population.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Museum prescriptions for mental health treatment | Integrating culture into mental health therapy | Widespread use of cultural institutions for mental health treatment | Promoting access to culture and enhancing healing process |
| Increased access to cultural institutions for mental health treatment | From limited access to inclusive access | Greater accessibility and inclusivity in cultural institutions | Promoting mental health and well-being through culture |
| Collaboration between culture and public health professionals | Collaboration between two sectors | Greater collaboration and integration between culture and public health | Recognizing the therapeutic value of arts in mental health treatment |
| Expansion of the museum prescription program | Inclusion of more museums, cinemas, hospitals, and patient groups | Expanded program benefiting diverse populations | Recognizing the potential benefits for various patient groups |