In recent years, scientific research has started to explore the role of museums not only as places of culture, but also as environments capable of encourage psychological well -being. A recent study conducted in the context of Asba project (Anxiety, stress, brain-friendly museum, approach) has shown that some activities carried out within the museums can significantly reduce anxiety and stress in visitors.
The project, coordinated by the University of Milan-Bicocca in collaboration with the State University of Milan, involved over 350 citizens and numerous museum operators over three years. Participants took part in Guided and innovative experiencessuch as mindfulness, art therapy and guided tours, and their levels of anxiety and stress have been measured before and after the activities through standardized questionnaires and devices capable of monitoring brain activity.
Among the practices experienced, Mindfulness proved to be the most effective, reducing anxiety and stress of 25%especially among those who have started from conditions of strong emotional discomfort. Also Art therapy He showed relevant effects, with a decrease in stress of 20%. The guided tours, although with a slightly lower impact, still brought Transversal benefitsregardless of the initial emotional state of the participants.
The initiative also involved museum staff
In addition to these consolidated techniques, the study has tested innovative approaches such as the Nature+Artwhich combines the museum experience with contact with natural elements, favoring a sense of harmony and well -being, and the method Visual Thinking Strategieswhich stimulates reflection and emotional connection with works of art. The ArtupInstead, it made it possible to integrate artistic knowledge with an emotional and psychological dimension, increasing the sense of inclusion and connection between the participants.
The initiative was not limited to visitors, but also involved the museum staff. In particular, the asba-make path at the Oriental Art Museum of Turin has shown how the same activities can Improve the cohesion of the working group and encourage new methods of professional interaction.
Among the techniques experienced in this context, it Yoga-Chair – a form of yoga practiced by seated – has proved particularly effective in reducing anxiety and improving concentration. The results of this research confirm that museums can turn into Places of care for the mind and bodyoffering an experience that goes beyond simple artistic use and becomes a concrete opportunity to improve the quality of life.
