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Publié le 29.11.2023
ABC Virginie Meigné

Art Brain Wellness, An essential encounter

A unique study carried out in Caen examines the link between cerebral well-being (good health) and an encounter with a work of art during a visit to a museum.

A visit to a museum, an encounter with works of art, is good for us.
This idea has been gaining ground among doctors and museum managers for 20 years. Research is shedding light on the real benefits and the mechanisms at work in our brains, and pilot programmes are emerging in Canada, the United States and Europe.

As part of the Millennium of Caen 2025, the Caen Museum of Fine Arts is meeting with researchers from Caen from the BB@C Institute, PhIND, LaPsydé, NIMH, GREYC, CYCERON, the University of Caen Normandy and the Caen Normandy University Hospital. 

Together, they have identified a common research topic and initiated research designed to investigate the link between cerebral well-being and encounters with works of art.

This study adds a new dimension to the existing body of work by analysing this paradigm in a sample drawn from the general population; previous studies have focused on a panel of people undergoing treatment.

So, while it is scientifically established and culturally ingrained that physical activity, diet and sleep all play a part in maintaining good health, and that they have an effect our longevity and resilience…

Could encountering works of art be beneficial to our health in the same way?
Find out in 2025...

ART, WELL-BEING, BRAIN – THE STAKEHOLDERS

The emblematic project Art, Well-being, Brain: an essential encounter? of the Caen 2025 Millennium is supported by : 

The Millennium places and artworks