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

<p><strong>Aims: </strong>The prevalence of chronic mental and physical diseases is increasing globally. In</p> <p>addition, the changing demographics towards an ageing population pose a challenge to</p> <p>healthcare systems, as ageing is associated with a decrease in physical and mental capacity</p> <p>and an increased risk of developing disease. The review aims to explore primary studies that</p> <p>investigated the effect of museum and art gallery-based heritage activities and programmes on</p> <p>the wellbeing of (1) individuals recovering from drug addiction or patients with dementia and (2)</p> <p>younger and older adults.</p> <p><strong>Methods:</strong> We conducted a search using specific keywords, and inclusion and exclusion</p> <p>criteria, in databases for the period 2013–2023. Following a detailed examination of numerous</p> <p>articles, 15 original studies were included in this review.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> 15 original studies investigated the effects of museum and art gallery-based heritage</p> <p>activities or programmes on (1) patients with chronic diagnoses associated with mental health</p> <p>and/or physical impairment, such as drug addiction and dementia and (2) the wellbeing of</p> <p>younger and older populations. The interactive environment of museums had positive health</p> <p>outcomes for patients with chronic mental (addiction recovery, dementia) and physical diseases</p> <p>(cancer) as well as hospitalized patients. In addition, it improved the physical and mental</p> <p>wellbeing of younger and older individuals.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Museum art-based interventions may be integrated as part of the nonpharmacological</p> <p>management of patients experiencing mental disorders as well as for</p> <p>improving the wellbeing of younger and older populations.</p>