arrow_back Back to all stories
article culture calendar_today Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Getty launches art-focused meditation podcast

The Getty in Los Angeles has launched a video podcast called "Our Museum Mindfulness Meditation" (Ommm), hosted by gallery educator Lilit Sadoyan. The first episode, released on June 16, focuses on Vincent van Gogh's *Irises* (1889). The 12-episode first season will feature works from the Getty collection, including Edvard Munch's *Starry Night* (1893) and Franz Xaver Messerschmidt's *The Vexed Man* (1771-83), along with guided mindfulness exercises. Bonus episodes will include conversations with guests such as astrologer Chani Nicholas and Buddhist monk Shoukei Matsumoto.

This initiative matters because it reflects a growing trend in museums to integrate mindfulness and meditation into the art-viewing experience, aiming to deepen visitor engagement and foster slower, more thoughtful interaction with artworks. By combining art education with wellness practices, the podcast also extends the museum's reach beyond its physical walls, making contemplative art experiences accessible to a broader audience anywhere. The project underscores how institutions are adapting to contemporary interests in mental health and digital content delivery.