Brussels doctors to prescribe museum visits in mental health trial inspired by Quebec

A three-month trial in Brussels will allow doctors to prescribe museum visits to patients as a mental health intervention. City councillor Delphine Houba announced the initiative, citing evidence that art benefits both mental and physical well-being. The program specifically aims to address stress, burnout, and other psychological issues exacerbated by the pandemic. Brugmann hospital is partnering on the trial, which will grant patients access to several cultural institutions including the City Museum, the Fashion & Lace Museum, and the Centre for Contemporary Art. This approach follows a precedent set in Quebec, Canada, where doctors could prescribe up to 50 gallery visits in collaboration with Montreal's Fine Arts Museum. Houba discussed the plan with L’Echo newspaper, framing it as a response to pandemic-related health challenges. The trial will make galleries across Brussels accessible to participating patients.