Rethinking culture: a narrative review on the evolving role of museum and art gallery-based heritage activities and programmes on wellbeing.

Aims: The prevalence of chronic mental and physical diseases is increasing globally. In addition, the changing demographics towards an ageing population pose a challenge to healthcare systems, as ageing is associated with a decrease in physical and mental capacity and an increased risk of developing disease. The review aims to explore primary studies that investigated the effect of museum and art gallery-based heritage activities and programmes on the wellbeing of (1) individuals recovering from drug addiction or patients with dementia and (2) younger and older adults.

Methods: We conducted a search using specific keywords, and inclusion and exclusion criteria, in databases for the period 2013-2023. Following a detailed examination of numerous articles, 15 original studies were included in this review.

Results: 15 original studies investigated the effects of museum and art gallery-based heritage activities or programmes on (1) patients with chronic diagnoses associated with mental health and/or physical impairment, such as drug addiction and dementia and (2) the wellbeing of younger and older populations. The interactive environment of museums had positive health outcomes for patients with chronic mental (addiction recovery, dementia) and physical diseases (cancer) as well as hospitalized patients. In addition, it improved the physical and mental wellbeing of younger and older individuals.

Conclusion: Museum art-based interventions may be integrated as part of the non-pharmacological management of patients experiencing mental disorders as well as for improving the wellbeing of younger and older populations.