Viewing original works of art in a gallery can reduce stress, lower the risk of heart disease, and strengthen the immune system. This was established by the first-of-its-kind study conducted by scientists at King’s College London.
The research showed that viewing original artworks positively influences the immune, endocrine (hormonal), and nervous systems simultaneously—something that had not been documented before. The findings indicate that experiencing art not only engages people emotionally but also calms the body and promotes overall health and well-being.
The study involved 50 participants (aged 18 to 40). Half of them viewed original works by Manet, Van Gogh, and Gauguin at London’s Courtauld Gallery, while the other half viewed reproductions of the same paintings in a non-gallery setting.
Participants’ heart rate, skin temperature, and stress levels were measured during a 20-minute session.
The researchers found that among those viewing original art, the level of the stress hormone, cortisol, decreased by an average of 22%, whereas only an 8% reduction was observed in those viewing reproductions. Furthermore, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-alpha), which are linked to stress and chronic diseases, fell by 30% and 28% respectively in the group at the gallery. This suggests that art has a potential calming effect on the body’s inflammatory responses.
Ultimately, the scientists discovered that viewing art in a gallery simultaneously triggers a positive response across three major systems: immune, endocrine, and nervous.
The study highlights the importance of art in health protection, as high levels of cortisol and inflammatory markers are linked to a wide range of health issues—from heart disease and diabetes to anxiety and depression. These findings suggest that cultural experiences may play a real role in protecting both mind and body.
While the study was conducted on a relatively small group, its results offer compelling evidence that art not only moves us emotionally but also calms the body and is good for our health.
