A trip to the museum might not be the first thing on your mind when you&rsquore not in the best of health, but doctors in Montréal, Canada seem to think otherwise. Patients can now be prescribed a trip to the Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal) as part of their treatment for both physical and mental health problems. Its common knowledge that serotonin is the hormone that elevates a person&rsquos mood and is good for your physical health. We secrete hormones when we visit a museum and they are responsible for our well-being. Art therapy can help with that.
This new initiative means that they are entitled to 50 free visits to the museum along with their caregivers or family if given a prescription by a physician who is a member of the organisation Médecins francophones du Canada. Each prescription will allow entry for up to two adults and two children age 17 or under. In this way, the culture prescription could be therapeutic not only for those who are already suffering due to illness but also as preventative care for visitors who accompany patients.
A relaxing environment is sure to revitalize and rejuvenate people by letting them rest and strengthen connections with their loved ones. This is not the first time the museum has drawn a link between health and art. Home to the Michel de la Chenelière International Atelier for Education and Art Therapy, this educational complex is filled with health and art therapy programs for people of all ages. This program also coincides with the organization&rsquos efforts to recognize the individuality and humanity of patients.  Just as engaging in sports contributes to fitness, cultural experiences will benefit health and wellness.
If you want to experience the health benefits of the museum yourself, head there to see an incredible collection of Canadian art from European masters like Rembrandt, Picasso, and Monet.
