Looking at Art: The Proven Health Benefits of Going to an Art Museum

We’ve written before about the proven health benefits of taking a peaceful and undistracted walk in nature. A walk through the woods, with or without or dog, helps improve everyone’s mood, so it makes sense that studies now tout similar health benefits of going to an art museum and getting completely absorbed in the art. No phone distractions—You are in a quiet and peaceful space, filled with interesting, beautiful, thought-provoking art. It makes sense that a place like this would relieve stress and anxiety, and help you feel better. In fact, here’s another study that reports how viewing original works of art can relieve stress, cut heart disease and boost the immune system.

For those of us in the metro Detroit area, we are incredibly lucky to live near The Detroit Institute of Art - ranked the #1 art museum in the United States in 2023 and 2024 by USA Today. There is so much to see and experience at the DIA, you will absolutely want to visit on multiple occasions. Information about the Cranbrook Art Museum and other art museums in the area can be found here.

We’ve got a few more months of iffy weather days here in Michigan. One of them could be perfect for ducking into an art museum to relax and feel better, naturally.