Neuchâtel Offers Free Museum Visits as Therapy for Patients

The Swiss town of Neuchâtel has launched a two-year pilot program allowing doctors to issue 'museum prescriptions' for patients to visit local museums, aiming to enhance mental health and well-being. This initiative is inspired by a 2019 World Health Organization report highlighting the therapeutic benefits of art, including stress relief and cognitive health. Local officials have distributed around 500 prescriptions so far, with a modest budget of 10,000 Swiss francs allocated for the project. Council member Julie Courcier Delafontaine noted that the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the importance of cultural engagement for mental health. If successful, the program may expand to include other art forms such as theater and dance, potentially influencing national health policy. The idea builds on similar initiatives from other locations, such as a program in Montreal, Canada.