In a world where we’re constantly rushing between work, screens, and everyday pressures, many of us are looking for simple ways to reset our minds and reduce stress. Some turn to exercise, meditation, or time in nature. But according to a fascinating new study from King’s College London, there’s another option we might be overlooking: a quiet afternoon at an art gallery

The King’s College London study

Researchers from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s, working with The Art Fund and The Courtauld Gallery, set out to measure what happens to our bodies when we look at art

Fifty healthy volunteers were split into two groups. One group viewed original works by painters such as Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Manet inside the Courtauld Gallery. The other group examined high-quality reproductions of the same artworks, but outside a gallery setting

Participants were monitored for around 20 minutes. Before and after the session, researchers tested saliva for stress markers (such as cortisol and inflammatory proteins) and fitted participants with wearable sensors to track heart rate variability and skin responses

Findings

The results were striking:

Cortisol (the ‘stress hormone’) fell by 22% in those who viewed original artworks, compared with only 8% in the reproduction group

Inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-α also dropped significantly in the original-art group, suggesting a calming effect on the immune system

Physiological data (like heart rate variability) showed participants were more relaxed yet emotionally engaged

And importantly, the benefit wasn’t linked to how ‘art-savvy’ people were – it seemed to work for everyone

Put simply, spending 20 minutes in front of original art in a gallery reduced stress more than looking at reproductions elsewhere

Why does gallery art make a difference?

The findings highlight that it’s not just about the image itself, but also the context:

• Authenticity matters: Standing in front of the real Van Gogh seems to produce a stronger emotional and physiological response than viewing a copy
• The gallery environment helps: Galleries offer calm, dedicated spaces away from daily noise and distraction, which may amplify the benefits
• A mindful pause: Taking time to slow down, look closely, and reflect appears to give the body and mind a genuine reset

How this fits into the bigger picture

The King’s study adds weight to a growing body of research suggesting that viewing art isn’t just pleasurable – it’s good for our wellbeing

A 2025 review of 38 studies concluded that art-viewing can improve ‘eudaimonic wellbeing’ – our sense of meaning and personal growth

• Urban experiments in 2024 showed that installing art in public spaces helped reduce stress and anxiety in passers-by
• Earlier studies found art visits can boost mood, lower self-reported stress, and even improve feelings of social connection
• Together, these findings suggest that art can act as a powerful tool for emotional regulation and stress management

What this means for you

The good news is you don’t have to be an art expert to benefit. Here are some ways to try it for yourself:

• Visit a gallery for 20–30 minutes: Focus on a handful of works rather than rushing through
• Go during quieter hours: Less noise and crowding make it easier to unwind
• Practice mindful looking: Notice colours, textures, and your own physical reactions as you stand in front of a piece
• Use it as a reset: Think of a gallery visit as a form of ‘mental gym’ – a space to recharge, not just to be entertained

And if a gallery visit isn’t possible, viewing art online or at home still carries benefits – though this study suggests the effect may be stronger in the presence of original works

The King’s College London study is one of the clearest demonstrations yet that art has measurable effects on the body. It’s not just about feeling inspired or culturally enriched – viewing art can actually lower your stress hormones and help your body find balance

So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, you might want to swap the scrolling for a gallery stroll. Science says your mind (and your body) will thank you