Meet Me at MoMA and The MoMA Alzheimer's Project

Launched in 2006, Meet Me at MoMA is the Museum's free monthly program for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias as well as their family members and caregivers. "Meet Me at MoMA" is the 2009 recipient of the The Rosalinde Gilbert Innovations in Alzheimer's Disease Caregiving Legacy Award, Creative Expression category.

Organization:

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Founded in 1929 as an educational institution, The Museum of Modern Art is dedicated to being the foremost museum of modern art in the world. MoMa serves diverse local, national and international audiences and encourages understanding and enjoyment of modern and contemporary art.

Location:

New York City, NY

How does it work?

Participants divide into small groups for interactive gallery tours led by specially trained Museum educators. During each tour, educators highlight various themes, artists, and works of art in the Museum's renowned collection of modern and contemporary art while also facilitating discussion and creating a forum for dialogue and exploration. In 2007, the Museum launched The MoMA Alzheimer's Project, a two-year initiative to expand this programming nationwide.

Why is it successful?

Attendance is the strongest indicator of success of this program: Participants (people with Alzheimer's and caregivers) numbered 900 last year (2007), up from 499 the year before. With a new art making component planned for the current year, the Museum is poised to serve even more people. In addition, MoMA is collaborating with the NYU School of Medicine to conduct a formal evaluative study of "Meet Me at MoMA." Data collection is in process. Early findings indicate a positive change in mood for both the person with dementia and the caregiver as impacted by the program.

For more information: www.moma.org