A new initiative in the town of Neuchatel, Switzerland integrates art into the healing process to support mental and physical health. Under a pilot project that will last two years, doctors are prescribing “museum prescriptions” for patients to visit one of the town’s four museums. The local and regional authorities cover the cost of these prescriptions. According to a 2019 report by the World Health Organization, art can improve mental health, reduce the effects of trauma, and prevent cognitive decline. The Neuchatel program was developed based on these scientific findings.

“NOTICED DURING THE PANDEMIC” City council member Julie Courcier Delafontaine mentioned that the Covid-19 pandemic made people realize the importance of cultural spaces more. “During the quarantines, we noticed how much we needed these spaces when they were missing,” she said. So far, about 500 museum prescriptions have been distributed to doctors. The budget allocated for the project is set at 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately 430,000 Turkish Liras). Dr. Marc-Olivier Sauvain, Chief of Surgery at the Neuchatel Hospital Network, said he recommended museum visits to two of his patients to strengthen them physically and mentally before surgery. Sauvain stated, “Telling my patients to simply go for a walk before surgery may not be enough. However, a museum visit can provide them with both physical and mental exercise.”

It is noted that many patient groups, such as those battling chronic illnesses, experiencing depression, or with limited mobility, can benefit from this practice. Marianne de Reynier Nevsky, one of the architects of the project, revealed that the idea was inspired by a similar project implemented at the Museum of Fine Arts in Montreal, Canada. If successful, the program is planned to be expanded to include other artistic activities like theater and dance. Officials hope that in the future, the Swiss national healthcare system will include such cultural therapies.