Museum Prescriptions: Neuchatel’s Innovative Health Initiative
NEUCHATEL, Switzerland — In a groundbreaking initiative, the town of Neuchatel is addressing mental health and wellness through a unique program called “museum prescriptions.” This novel approach allows patients to engage with art as a form of therapy, a method backed by research and the benefits of cultural exposure.
Program Overview
Initiated as a two-year pilot project, local authorities in Neuchatel are financing visits to the town’s four museums for residents who receive a prescription from their healthcare providers. This initiative is driven by findings from a 2019 World Health Organization report that underscores the positive effects of the arts on mental health, trauma recovery, and cognitive longevity.
The Need for Cultural Engagement
Council member Julie Courcier Delafontaine noted that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the essential role cultural venues play in enhancing well-being. “With the closure of cultural sites during lockdowns, people realized just how much we need them to feel better,” she explained.
So far, approximately 500 prescriptions have been issued, with a minimal budget of 10,000 Swiss francs (around $11,300) allocated for this innovative project.
Benefits of Art in Healthcare
The program is designed to help various patient demographics—ranging from those experiencing depression to individuals dealing with chronic illnesses. Marianne de Reynier Nevsky, the cultural mediation manager involved in the initiative, emphasized that the goal is to encourage patients to leave their homes and engage in physical activity, which is integral to their recovery.
Integration with Medical Practice
Dr. Marc-Olivier Sauvain, head of surgery at the Neuchatel Hospital Network, has already started prescribing museum visits to prepare patients for upcoming surgeries. He believes that a structured approach to integrating art into treatment plans can motivate patients who have become sedentary. “It’s unrealistic to think that simply telling them to exercise will yield results,” he stated. “Museum prescriptions offer the chance for both physical movement and intellectual engagement.”
Potential for Expansion
Looking ahead, Courcier Delafontaine mentioned the possibility of expanding the program to include other forms of art, such as theater and dance. Currently, Swiss national healthcare does not recognize cultural experiences as therapeutic. However, the success of the museum visits could pave the way for broader acceptance of arts in medical care.
Community Response
The response among residents has been positive. Carla Fragniere Filliger, a retired teacher and poet, visited the ethnography museum and remarked, “I think it’s a great idea. There should be prescriptions for all the museums in the world!”