Beautiful Minds: The Role of Museums in Interacting with Visitors with Mental Illness.

In recent years, museum professionals have come to believe that it is important to allocate museum resources to the disabled and to expand their cultural rights. Th e aims of this study were to investigate the role of the museum in interactions with people with mental illness and to explore museum experiences and needs of visitors with schizophrenia, in particular. From a review of literature, it was clear that the museum not only provides a place for social activities and entertainment, but can also help to challenge social stigma and prejudice through exhibitions. Th us, the researchers collaborated with mental health professionals to plan museum visits by people with schizophrenia. From focus interviews, visitors with schizophrenia appreciate artworks that relate to their life experiences and desires, and interactive displays inspire the greatest responses. In addition, what visitors with schizophrenia need most are clear signs for orientation, water fountains, audio guides and comfortable chairs. Th ey enjoy DIY workshops and hope that museums plan more exhibitions that focus on their experiences and achievements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]