Museum prescriptions: museums have your well-being at heart 

Museum prescriptions are now available in our capital, thanks to the initiative of the City of Brussels and CHU Brugmann. In concrete terms, healthcare professionals can prescribe their patients (along with one accompanying person) a free visit to a museum just like medication. Open museum presents how the BELvue Museum adopted this Canadian initiative. It is one of the 14 museums* participating in the project since 2024. The BELvue museum is one of the 14 museums participing in the project since 2024 

Methodology

The museum became aware of the benefits culture has on physical and mental health after noticing the recent success of the original project in Canada. The benefits are recognized by neurological studies as well as by the World Health Organization (WHO). Since inclusion is one of the core values of the institution, it was only natural for it to join the project. 

The BELvue aims to offer three benefits to patients: a bubble of well-being and relaxation, an opportunity to reconnect with family, and a moment of achievement for people for whom leaving home can be difficult. 

To welcome individual visitors seeking a calm environment, a low-stimulation morning is organized on the first Wednesday of each month. 

The museum also partnered with CAP (Center for Animation and Pedagogy) to co-create a tailored visit called “Belgium in Harmony”, specifically designed for groups visiting the museum through a museum prescription. This new format combines the benefits of a museum visit with music therapy. Music becomes a second voice, complementing the guides, engaging the senses, and inviting relaxation. 

Overcoming Challenges

Making one’s museum a place of welcome and care can be complex. The experience of Aurélie Cerf, Head of Audiences and Activities at BELvue, highlights barriers commonly faced by museum professionals. Here is her advice for overcoming them. 

The main challenge was defining and creating a safe space, especially considering the multiple sensory stimuli present in the permanent exhibition. Sounds, lights, and other sensory stimuli can excite, overstimulate, or tire visitors’ senses. 

The first step was to turn off audio and visual supports one morning a month,  to provide a more calming experience during the low-stimulation sessions. 

Secondly, the wide variety of profiles targeted by museum prescriptions represents a challenge that requires continuous adaptation. To meet this need, a model visit was created by BELvue and the nonprofit CAP . It is adjustable depending on the needs of patient groups. This visit can be offered to individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease as well as those experiencing depression. 

The specificity of the project and the lack of information were also challenges for both museum and medical staff. The former faced some dissatisfaction from visitors during low-stimulation mornings, who felt they were missing out on information due to inactive screens and audio. The latter have a different expertise and are rarely aware of what museums offer or their particularities. Educational efforts are needed, including organizing visits specifically for healthcare professionals to introduce them to the actions taken for these audiences. 

Reaping Long-Term Benefits

Several positive aspects are also highlighted by Aurélie Cerf. 

Thanks to the initiative of the City of Brussels, the BELvue has structurally integrated the theme of mental health into the museum: staff have been trained, and a partnership with an expert nonprofit was established. These measures have enabled a deep awareness of health-related issues in the museum and the needs of patient-audiences. 

Moreover, the museum gained great media visibility and a positive brand image as a listening, caring institution. 

Finally, although only 20% of prescriptions are actually used by patients, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits they bring to these beneficiaries. This figure may seem low, but it encourages museums to work on the many barriers that stand between them and those who do not visit. Museum prescriptions should be combined with other actions to make the museum more attractive. Financial obstacles are not the only barriers—serious institutional image, mobility challenges, representation of various communities, and language levels can all be reasons why prescription holders do not use them. 

Inspiring by Example

Adapting for specific audiences can trigger broader changes that benefit many, including museum teams. After all, who hasn’t felt fatigued during a museum visit? Museum fatigue includes headaches, eye strain, loss of focus—all of which are consequences of the overwhelming stimuli in exhibitions.  While people with mental health issues stand to benefit the most, the calmer environment also supports general visitors and frontline staff (guards, receptionists, guides). 

Step by Step:
Start with low-resource, temporary actions: 

• Organize a time slot or day where the museum offers a low-stimulation visit. Reduce/cut noise and light to limit sensory input. Offer alternative supports to replace missing information. 

• Use temporary events as an opportunity to try something new: Brussels Museums Nocturnes are a great way to test new approaches! 

• Communicate your actions to raise awareness around overstimulation and mental health issues. 

To go further: 

• Train your staff on mental health issues. This fosters empathy and equips them to interact with visitors and colleagues. 

• Develop activities to address specific needs: 

• An activity for Alzheimer’s patients will emphasize the senses and emotions to encourage speech and memory. 

• A visit for those with Alzheimer’s and similar illnesses will focus on long-term memory and social connection. 

• A visit for people with ADHD or on the autism spectrum will minimize sensory input. Provide noise-cancelling headphones or fidget toys for added comfort. 

• Invite doctors or community centers to visit the museum and discover the benefits of cultural activities. Explain your museum’s specifics, methods, and goals to help healthcare workers understand the value of a museum visit. 

Recognizing the importance of mental health in museums—whether through prescriptions or specific actions—can lead to unexpected results. In fact, it becomes clear that these efforts benefit everyone: prescription holders, undiagnosed patients, easily distracted children, guides and guards who spend the day in exhibition rooms, people who love calm and introspection, and many others. The proposed adaptations attract a more diverse audience than originally targeted. Everyone has something to gain by going to the museum! 

* The museums participating in the 2024 museum prescriptions project are: Art et Marges Museum, Bozar, Centrale for Contemporary Art, Design Museum Brussels, the Manneken-Pis Wardrobe, BELvue Museum, National Bank of Belgium Museum, Brussels City Museum, Sewer Museum, Magritte Museum, Fashion and Lace Museum, Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Coudenberg Palace, War heritage institute. 

* A safe space is a refuge where as many accommodations as possible are made so that marginalized people feel safe both mentally and physically. 

 ©Jonas Polet