Wellness Programming in Museums: A Variety of Models

ID: WMA2026_579

Track:

Museums play a crucial role in contributing to individual and collective well-being, connecting people and enhancing social resilience. This interactive session combines rapid Ignite-style presentations showcasing a variety of wellness-focused museum initiatives including creative aging, social connection, and nature and wellness programs. The session will then transition into a World Cafe discussion, where participants will explore programming, partnerships, and resources, while brainstorming ways to enhance and/or build wellness programming at their own museums.

Session Information

Format: Regular session/panel (roundtable, single speaker, etc.)

Uniqueness: This session bridges museums and public health, offering practical, field-tested models and ideas  for embedding wellness into museum programming, partnerships, and long-term institutional strategy.

Objectives:

Session participants will gain a clear understanding of the work museums are doing within the wellness sector; why it matters, key steps, shared resources, templates, and stories from the field.

Session participants will broaden their understanding and networks during the World Cafe portion of the program, through real discussion with colleagues old and new.

Session participants will leave with a better understanding of how they might further develop or start wellness programming within their museums. They will leave with examples, resources, and strengthened connections with colleagues.

Engagement: After short presentations by the panelists, we will break into small groups. Each group will have questions to consider, open discussion, and the opportunity to share their own experiences. Before concluding the session, we’ll reconnect as a large group to share key learnings. Everyone in the session will contribute to learning, not just the panelists. Small group discussions will address topics including creative aging, nature and wellness in museums, and social connection.

Relationship to Theme:

Audience

Audiences: Other 

Professional Level: All levels 

Scalability: The topic is broadly applicable and scalable, no matter the type or size of institution. Real-life stories, tools, and resources can be adapted for any kind of museum and at different levels within a museum. Panelists represent a wide range of institution types and sizes.

Participants