New research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London shows that viewing art in galleries has an immediate positive effect on the body.
The study, not yet peer-reviewed, was conducted by King’s IoPPN on behalf of the Art Fund and the Psychiatry Research Trust. It examined participants' physiological responses while they viewed masterpieces by renowned artists such as Manet, Van Gogh, and Gauguin in a gallery.
Costisol levels lowered
Fifty volunteers aged 18-40 either examined original artworks at The Courtauld Gallery in London or viewed reproductions of the same paintings in a matching, non-gallery setting.
Their heart rate variability and skin temperature were monitored with research-grade digital watches to assess their levels of interest and arousal.
Cortisol levels—the primary stress hormone—decreased by an average of 22% in the gallery group, while the reproduction group saw only an 8% reduction.
Participants who viewed original art also exhibited more variable heart activity, suggesting that art stimulates the body through emotional engagement and stress management.
Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), associated with stress and several chronic diseases, decreased by 30% and 28% respectively in those viewing original art. No changes were observed in the reproduction group.
This indicates that art may have a calming effect on the body’s inflammatory responses.
Art's role in protecting the mind and body
Dr Tony Woods, the study’s senior author from King’s IoPPN, says:
“Our unique and original study provides compelling evidence that viewing art in a gallery is ‘good for you’ and helps to further our understanding of its fundamental benefits. In essence, art doesn’t just move us emotionally — it calms the body too.
“Stress hormones and inflammatory markers like cortisol, IL-6 and TNF-alpha are linked to a wide range of health problems, from heart disease and diabetes to anxiety and depression.
"The fact that viewing original art lowered these markers suggests that cultural experiences may play a real role in protecting both mind and body.”
The chair of the Psychiatry Research Trust, Professor Carmine Pariante, adds: “We are delighted to have worked so collaboratively with the Art Fund.
"The Trust funds research and education in mental health and this type of interdisciplinary research, relevant to both science and wellbeing, is exactly the type of studies that are needed to understand how arts influences both mind and body.”
See also: Wellness experiences in the attractions industry: top picks and ideas
Charlotte Coates is blooloop's editor. She is from Brighton, UK and previously worked as a librarian. She has a strong interest in arts, culture and information and graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature. Charlotte can usually be found either with her head in a book or planning her next travel adventure.
