On 7 February 2025, Design Museum Brussels welcomed Ricardo Fontes for a rather unusual visit. Thanks to Brussels’ innovative “museum prescriptions” initiative, Ricardo wasn’t simply there for a cultural outing, his visit was part of a therapeutic care pathway recommended by his doctor.

This unique programme allows patients dealing with mental health issues or chronic illnesses to access several of the city’s museums, including Design Museum Brussels, free of charge and as part of a medical prescription. The aim? To make design and culture tools for well-being and recovery.

For Terry Scott, responsible for public and activities at Design Museum Brussels, the initiative aligns perfectly with the museum’s mission of inclusion and social responsibility. “We want the museum to be a place of care, connection, and welcome, for everyone,” he says. Hosting visitors through this scheme reflects a broader shift toward seeing museums not just as cultural venues, but as spaces that support mental and physical health.

During his visit, Ricardo explored the design collections with curiosity, engaged in lively conversation with museum staff, and left with a smile: “I wasn’t feeling great when I arrived, but now I feel so much better.”

Curious to learn more about this innovative programme and how museums are becoming spaces for healing? Read the full article here: