Introduction to museotherapy
On February 26, an event on museotherapy was held at the Historical Museum in Bielsko-Biała, organized in cooperation with the Institute of Urban Culture – City of Weaves.
Experts shared their knowledge and experience, including Prof. Jadwiga Jośko-Ochojska, MD, PhD – an internist, neurophysiologist, and public health specialist, and Prof. Robert Kotowski, PhD – a historian, museologist, certified curator, director of the National Museum in Kielce, and a pioneer of museotherapy in Poland.
Museotherapy is a therapeutic method that consciously utilizes the beneficial impact of art collected in museums on the mental, physical, and social well-being of patients. As a complementary therapy to traditional treatments, it provides unique benefits — it reduces the harmful effects of stress, improves patients' quality of life, and can even accelerate recovery.
Research indicates that regular exposure to art helps lower anxiety, pain, and symptoms of depression in patients, reduces feelings of loneliness and sleep disorders, while also boosting mood and overall well-being. Additionally, an increase in self-esteem has been observed in patients benefiting from museotherapy, as well as greater self-acceptance and acceptance of their illness.
Importantly, this therapy strengthens social bonds — experiencing art together encourages patients to open up and share emotions, facilitating the integration of ill individuals into society and helping them emerge from isolation.
The practical applications of museotherapy worldwide confirm its effectiveness. In Canada, the "museum on prescription" program allows doctors to prescribe museum visits as a form of therapy — since 2018, patients with such a "prescription" even have the right to free museum entry. Meanwhile, in France, the "Louvre in the Hospital" (Le Louvre à l’hôpital) initiative brings artworks directly into hospital spaces. As a result of this therapy, nearly 80% of patients reported reduced anxiety, along with an overall improvement in their well-being and satisfaction with treatment. These findings suggest that museotherapy can effectively reduce stress and anxiety, improve patients' moods, and support the healing process, while also providing an important social dimension to therapy through cultural engagement.
Experiencing art benefits not only those who are ill but everyone — regardless of age. Moreover, one does not need to be an art expert to feel its positive effects. How does this mechanism work? Art has the power to evoke a sense of awe — an intense, positive emotion that supports mental health. Experiencing awe increases the release of "the bonding hormone" oxytocin — these changes positively affect mood and may help protect against depression. Population studies confirm this: individuals actively participating in artistic or cultural activities enjoy better health and are less likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Regular artistic engagement also stimulates neurogenesis (the creation of new neurons), which reduces sensitivity to pain and depressive symptoms. Additionally, stress reduction through art contributes to better immune system function. Positive artistic experiences lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and reduced cortisol allows the immune system to combat illnesses and cope with stress more effectively. Finally, engaging with art can also improve sleep quality. Viewing artworks, especially harmonious landscapes or paintings with soft, warm colors, has a soothing effect on the psyche and induces a state of relaxation.
