The Psychiatry Research Trust was delighted to co-fund this first-of-its-kind study with Art Fund. 

 

Undertaken by researchers in the Stress, Psychiatry, and Immunology (SPI) Lab at King's College London, this study measured the physiological responses of participants while viewing masterpieces in a gallery setting. ​​

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The study involved 50 participants aged 18-40, who either viewed original artworks by artists including Manet, Van Gogh and Gaugin at The Courtauld Gallery in London or reproductions of the same paintings in a laboratory environment. It took place between July and September 2025.

 

The research found that viewing art activates the immune, endocrine (hormone), and autonomic (cardiovascular) systems all at once, which has previously not been recorded. Cortisol levels, a stress hormone, fell by an average of 22% in the gallery group, compared to just 8% for the reproduction group. Those viewing original art also had more dynamic heart activity - indicating that art engages the body through both emotional arousal and stress regulation.

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In an interview with BBC Radio, Dr. Tony Woods playfully commented

that a trip to your local art gallery can act as a "cultural workout."

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From our Chair, Professor Carmine Pariante: “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.”

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