2026 Volume 33 Issue 2 Pages 275-284
Art viewing research in psychology has undergone rapid development in the 21st century. Increasingly, art is being recognized not only as a form of leisure, but also as a potentially valuable non-pharmacological resource for supporting individuals and society. Drawing on research conducted by Empirical Visual Aesthetic Laboratories (EVA labs) at the University of Vienna, this article overviews recent theoretical and empirical advances in art viewing research, with a particular focus on spatial context, viewer diversity, and well-being outcomes. By tracking these developments, this article aims to examine whether and how art viewing can contribute to everyday life beyond traditional laboratory settings. Current limitations and directions for future research will be discussed.
