Mindfulness at the Museum

A specially designed programme with Lydia Petropoulou

Friday November 15, 29, and December 20, 27 | 18.30-19.45

The B&E Goulandris Foundation, in collaboration with art historian, art educator and mindfulness instructor Lydia Petropoulou, starts once again the specially designed programme “Mindfulness at the Museum” where participants practice mindfulness to explore selected works of art.

According to Jon Kabat-Zinn, mindfulness is defined as “awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally”. “Mindfulness at the Museum” is a programme addressed to everyone that helps participants become active, conscious viewers, encouraging them to draw information and knowledge from what they see and feel instead of what they already know in terms of understanding a work of art or an art object. Meanwhile, they enjoy the benefits of mindfulness that include improving their attention span and ability to concentrate, enhancing their memory, stress reduction and management as well as emotional development.

Focusing on the present, this ‘meditative journey’ is used as an empowerment tool that awakens deeper connections and helps participants engage in a holistic approach of an artwork or an art object.

“Mindfulness at the Museum” will take place on November 15 and 29 as well as December 20 and 27 and will focus on the two paintings from the National Gallery in London that are on display at the Foundation’s 1^st floor until January, namely Paul Gauguin’s “Still life with vase” and Paul Cézanne’s “Landscape with poplars”.