Met Escapes

Met Escapes aims to provide enjoyable experiences for people with dementia and their family-member caregivers through engagement with art; offer activities that reduce caregiver burden and isolation; and improve the quality of life for families living with dementia.

Organization:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Since its founding in 1870, The Metropolitan Museum of Art has grown dramatically and become America's preeminent art museum, serving a public that extends far beyond New York City. The Metropolitan currently ranks as New York's premiere tourist attraction, and is visited by some 4.3 million people annually.

Location:

New York City, NY

How does it work?

Met Escapes was developed not only with people with dementia in mind, but also emphasizes the needs of family-member caregivers. Through Met Escapes, three types of sessions are offered: gallery tours; handling sessions with original artwork; and art-making workshops. Educators engage participants through discussion, sketching, and multisensory techniques. The flexible format allows for verbal and nonverbal expression. Photocopies of art discussed are sent home as a catalyst for continuing discussions.

Why is it successful?

Formal and informal feedback from participants has been very positive. In its first year, the program offered 23 sessions, with 563 attendees. In addition, a waiting list for each program, demonstrates the program's importance to this audience.

For more information: www.metmuseum.org