Swiss doctors are broadening their approach to treating mental health conditions and chronic illnesses by prescribing visits to museums, art galleries, and public gardens.
The city of Neuchâtel in western Switzerland launched the pilot project last month, aiming to support struggling residents while encouraging physical activity and cultural engagement.
“For those facing mental health challenges, this offers a chance to momentarily forget their worries, pain, or illness and experience a moment of joy and discovery,” said Dr. Patricia Lehmann, a participating physician. “I believe that by addressing emotions, we can help people find a path to healing.”
As part of the initiative, 500 prescriptions will be distributed for free entry to four locations, including three museums and the city’s botanical garden. One recipient, a 26-year-old woman experiencing burnout, described her visit to the Neuchâtel Museum of Art and History—home to works by Claude Monet and Edgar Degas—as bringing “a little light into the darkness.”
The idea was inspired by a 2019 World Health Organization study on the role of the arts in promoting well-being and managing illness. Officials noted that museum closures during COVID-19 lockdowns negatively impacted public mental health, reinforcing the importance of cultural access.
“This was a turning point that convinced us culture is essential for human well-being,” said Julie Courcier Delafontaine, head of Neuchâtel’s culture department.
The program will run for a year and may expand to include other activities such as theater performances.
