Stressed? Sick? Swiss town lets doctors prescribe museum visits as art therapy for patients

Los Angeles Times - Mar 24th, 2025

Neuchatel, Switzerland, has launched a pioneering two-year pilot project allowing doctors to prescribe museum visits for health benefits. This initiative, inspired by a 2019 WHO report on the mental and physical health benefits of art, aims to improve well-being through exposure to art and physical activity involved in museum visits. Over 500 prescriptions have been issued, and the program has a modest budget of 10,000 Swiss francs.

The program reflects a growing recognition of the therapeutic role of culture, further influenced by the cultural site closures during COVID-19 lockdowns. If successful, the program could expand to include other artistic activities such as theater and dance. Neuchatel hopes this innovative approach might inspire broader adoption within the Swiss national healthcare system. The project builds on a similar initiative from Montreal, Canada, and aims to improve patient outcomes by encouraging physical and intellectual engagement.

Covid 19 Mental Health World Health Organization Neuchatel Museum Prescriptions Julie Courcier Delafontaine Marc Olivier Sauvain Art Therapy

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively introduces an innovative healthcare initiative in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, where museum visits are prescribed as part of medical treatment. It is well-structured and clear, providing readers with an engaging narrative and insights from local officials and doctors involved in the program. However, the article could benefit from a more balanced perspective by including potential criticisms or alternative viewpoints. Additionally, while the story references a WHO report to support its claims, direct citations or quotes would enhance the factual accuracy and source quality. Overall, the article offers a compelling look at a novel approach to healthcare with potential global implications.

Accuracy

The news story provides a generally accurate depiction of the novel medical option being offered in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, where doctors can prescribe free museum visits as part of treatment. The claim about the program being inspired by a 2019 WHO report is plausible, as the WHO has recognized the benefits of the arts on mental health. The budget of 10,000 Swiss francs and the distribution of 500 prescriptions are specific figures that lend credibility. However, the story would benefit from direct references or quotes from the WHO report to substantiate the health benefits claimed.

Balance

The story predominantly presents the perspectives of those in favor of the program, such as local officials and doctors. While it mentions the potential expansion to other artistic activities, it does not include viewpoints from critics or those skeptical of the program's efficacy. Including opinions from healthcare professionals who might question the scientific basis of art as therapy could provide a more balanced view.

Clarity

The article is well-written, with a logical flow and clear language that makes it easy to understand. The structure effectively guides the reader through the program's concept, its benefits, and the perspectives of those involved. The tone is neutral and informative, which aids comprehension. The use of quotes from local officials and doctors adds to the clarity by providing direct insights into the program.

Source quality

The story cites local officials and healthcare professionals, which are credible sources for information about the program. However, the lack of direct quotes or references from the WHO report or other scientific studies supporting the claims about the benefits of art therapy slightly weakens the source quality. More diverse sources, including independent experts or testimonials from patients, could enhance credibility.

Transparency

The article provides a clear explanation of the program's goals and origins but lacks detailed transparency regarding the methodology behind the program's evaluation and success metrics. While it mentions the budget and the number of prescriptions, it does not disclose how the program's effectiveness will be assessed or what specific results would warrant its expansion.