A museum a day keeps the doc away

– A group of Canadian doctors are to begin prescribing trips to an art gallery to help patients suffering a range of ailments become a picture of health.

A partnership between the Francophone Association of Doctors in Canada (MFdC) and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) will allow patients suffering from a number of physical and mental health issues, along with their loved ones, to take in the benefits of art on health with free visits.

The pilot project is unprecedented globally, according to its organiser.

Nicole Parent, head of the MFdC, said this week the benefits are similar to those patients can get from physical activity, prompting the secretion of a similar level of feel-good hormones.

“I am convinced that in the 21st century, culture will be what physical activity was for health in the 20th century,” said MMFA director Nathalie Bondil. “Cultural experiences benefit health and wellness.” –