NEUCHÂTEL, Switzerland (AP) — Is life’s pressure weighing you down? Have work stresses drained your energy, or are you struggling to recover from an illness? Residents of Neuchâtel now have an innovative and soothing remedy at their disposal: free visits to local museums—prescribed by their doctors!

Launching this groundbreaking two-year pilot project, Neuchâtel’s local and regional authorities aim to harness the therapeutic power of art. Under this plan, doctors can issue 'museum prescriptions' to patients who might benefit from a culturally enriching experience. This initiative allows individuals to immerse themselves in the healing world of art and history without worrying about costs.

The initiative is inspired by a 2019 World Health Organization report emphasizing the positive effects of arts engagement on mental health, trauma recovery, and even longevity. Exposure to art not only soothes the mind but also encourages physical activity, as visiting a museum requires visitors to move and engage with their environment.

Julie Courcier Delafontaine, a council member, attributes part of the program's creation to the COVID-19 pandemic. 'During the lockdowns, the absence of cultural spaces made us realize how essential they are for our well-being,' she stated.

So far, around 500 museum prescriptions have been distributed among local doctors, and the initiative is being supported by a modest budget of about 10,000 Swiss francs (roughly $11,300). If the project proves successful, there are plans to widen its scope to include other forms of cultural therapy, such as theater performances and dance classes.

Currently, Switzerland’s national healthcare system does not view cultural activities as therapeutic, but there is hope that this attitude may change if positive results are documented.

Marianne de Reynier Nevsky, the cultural mediation manager in Neuchâtel with a population of 46,000, played a significant role in developing the program, drawing inspiration from similar initiatives like the one launched at the Fine Arts Museum in Montreal in 2019. The potential beneficiaries of this program are diverse, including those suffering from depression, mobility issues, or chronic conditions.

The initiative also aims to encourage patients who have become sedentary to get moving again. Dr. Marc-Olivier Sauvain, head of surgery at the Neuchâtel Hospital Network, shared his excitement about incorporating museum visits into his patients' pre-operative care routines. He has already prescribed such outings for two patients in an effort to improve their physical condition before surgery.

"It's unrealistic to expect patients to simply take up walking for exercise on their own," Sauvain explained during a video call. 'Museum prescriptions offer a unique way for them to engage both physically and intellectually.' He finds that it’s more rewarding to recommend a museum visit rather than traditional medications or tests that can often be unenjoyable.

Members of the community are embracing this initiative with enthusiasm as well. Carla Fragniere Filliger, a poet and retired teacher, praised the concept during a recent visit to the Ethnographic Museum, saying, 'This is an extraordinary idea! There should be museum prescriptions all over the world!'

If this innovative project flourishes, it could revolutionize how we think about health and wellness—showcasing the profound impact that art and culture can have on our lives. It’s not just a visit; it’s a prescription for a healthier, happier self!