Museums and Health and Wellbeing Impact Report

Influenced by our 2020 literature review: health and wellbeing, our report, Museums, health and wellbeing: How Scotland’s museums make us healthier and happier, provides a summary of the impact that museums have on wellbeing as well as a range of case studies from across the sector.

This resource can be shared with policymakers and those with an interest in health and wellbeing to demonstrate the impact museums and culture can have on our physical and mental health.

Find toolkits and guidance for improving the mental health and wellbeing of museum visitors, and templates for measuring this.

This set of toolkits for heritage projects aimed at improving wellbeing and mental health were the result of a project by Dr Karen Burnell, Dr Paul Everill, Dr Louise Baxter, Eva Makri, Dr Kathryn Watson, Dr Linda Monckton, and Dr Desi Gradinarova. The toolkits include helpful guidance for best practice and a checklist aimed at project providers, potential participants, and social prescribers.

The Social Impact Toolkit by National Museums Scotland help museums assess the impact of their programmes on a variety of audiences. This toolkit provides an adjustable framework that museums can use to demonstrate how their programmes enrich learning experiences, cultural citizenship, and improve the health and wellbeing of visitors.