Research indicates gallery visits can lower stress while engaging the body and mind.
A new study by King’s College London, working with Art Fund and the Psychiatry Research Trust, suggests that viewing original artworks can have an immediate effect on physical wellbeing.
The research followed 50 volunteers aged 18 to 40, comparing those who viewed well-known paintings in a London gallery with others who saw reproductions in a similar but non-gallery setting. The results indicate that seeing art in person can influence several systems in the body at once, including those linked to stress and hormones.
One of the clearest findings was a drop in cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. Those in the gallery group saw levels fall by an average of 22 percent, while the reproduction group experienced a smaller decrease of 8 percent.
Markers linked to inflammation also declined among participants who viewed original artworks, suggesting a potential calming effect on the body. Meanwhile, changes in heart rate and skin temperature pointed to increased engagement and emotional response.
The project also found that art activates the endocrine, immune and autonomic nervous systems all at once – something that has never been previously recorded.
“From a scientific perspective, the most exciting outtake is that art had a positive impact on three different body systems – the immune, endocrine and autonomic systems – at the same time,” Dr Tony Woods, researcher at Kings College London, said. “This is a unique finding and something we were genuinely surprised to see.”
“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 study took place between July and September 2025 at The Courtauld Gallery in London. Participants viewed works by artists such as Van Gogh and Gauguin, while researchers monitored physiological responses using wearable devices and saliva samples.
“This study proves for the first time what we’ve long felt at Art Fund – that art really is good for you. What’s particularly exciting is that the findings show these benefits are universal – they can be experienced by anyone,” Art Fund Director, Jenny Waldman, said. “We want to encourage everyone to make time to visit their local museum or gallery and experience these powerful effects for themselves. With a National Art Pass, you can enjoy free or discounted entry to hundreds of inspiring places across the UK – and discover just how good art can make you feel.”
Find the data here.
