ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Pioneers Art Therapy Programs

institutional · 2026-04-27

For almost two decades, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MBAM) has partnered with medical research organizations and social groups to implement art therapy initiatives. In 2017, the museum launched a specialized department along with a complimentary drop-in art hive. Art therapist Stephen Legari notes that small groups of patients are organized at partner institutions. The programs cater to women who have faced trauma, young adults on the autism spectrum, individuals in mourning, cancer patients, and others with health challenges. Each session features a greeting, health assessment, and creative activities. In 2018, MBAM began offering medical prescriptions for visits, serving around 350 participants. During the pandemic, therapy transitioned online, enhancing access for remote communities. Legari advocates for other museums to embrace art therapy.

Key facts

  • MBAM has collaborated with medical and social organizations for nearly 20 years on art therapy.
  • In 2017, MBAM created a dedicated art therapy department and a free drop-in art hive.
  • Stephen Legari is the full-time art therapist, holding master's degrees from Concordia University and McGill University.
  • Programs target specific groups: trauma survivors, autistic young adults, grieving people, cancer patients, epilepsy sufferers, stroke victims, and those with eating disorders.
  • Sessions involve artwork observation in galleries followed by creative practice in the studio.
  • In 2018, MBAM introduced medical prescriptions for museum visits; about 350 people used it in the pilot year.
  • During the pandemic, art therapy sessions moved to videoconference, and video capsules were created for social media.
  • Legari believes art therapy should be a normal part of healthcare, not a novelty.

Entities

Artists

  • Stephen Legari
  • Monet
  • Leonardo da Vinci

Institutions

  • Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MBAM)
  • Concordia University
  • McGill University
  • Artribune
  • Cur'Arti

Locations

  • Montreal
  • Canada
  • Québec
  • Italy

Sources