An online symposium on January 28 and 29, 2026, will explore the question of what museums can actively contribute to the well-being of their visitors: The Museum Wellness Summit by MuseumNext brings together specialists and managers from the museum world as well as experts from the healthcare sector, who will present and discuss practical and inspiring case studies.
What if well-being weren't something that arises by chance in museums, but something we consciously create?
Here are four examples that give a taste of the program:
Mian Tze Kng from the National Gallery Singapore reports how a partnership between a museum and social institutions used creativity to support disadvantaged young people – and gave their work a public platform.
Cris Scorza and Ellen Tepfer from Whitney Museum of American Art demonstrate how they support medical professionals through guided museum visits, reflection and artistic creation – a compelling model for museums as partners in healthcare.
Sirish Rao from the Vancouver Art Gallery introduces the Art of Wellbeing Lab, a pioneering initiative that combines art, health and community care to promote belonging and wellbeing.
Becky Jefcoate from Fitzwilliam Museum It tells the story of "Happy Place" – an immersive wellness experience developed in collaboration with young adults, encompassing everything from hammocks and scented landscapes to yoga and playful sensory design, to explore museums as places of calm and connection.
The complete program and ticket bookings can be found here. here