AUTHOR=Nosè Michela , Compri Beatrice , Cristofalo Doriana , Carlon Vanessa , Kratchanova Rada , Rodighiero Alessia , Menegazzo Carlotta , Tedeschi Federico , Turrini Giulia , Barbui Corrado 

TITLE=From art to mental health: exploring the impact of a museum-based intervention on psychological well-being

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1591056

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1591056

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=IntroductionEngagement with arts and cultural activities has been increasingly recognized for its role in promoting mental health and well-being. This study evaluates the impact of a structured museum-based intervention on psychological well-being.MethodsA prospective hybrid type-1 non-randomized follow-up study with a pre-post design was conducted. Psychological distress, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and psychological well-being were assessed before and after a structured museum itinerary.ResultsA total of 103 participants (82.5% female) completed pre- and post-intervention assessments. The intervention led to significant improvements across all psychological measures (p < 0.001), with the most notable effects observed in individuals aged 41–60. Additionally, between 89 and 98% of participants reported high acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the itinerary.DiscussionThe observed clinical improvements and high acceptability highlight the potential of museum-based interventions as an innovative and effective approach to mental health promotion. Future research should focus on scaling and replicating such interventions in diverse cultural and community settings, further integrating the arts into public health strategies.