On Monday the 2nd of June, our A-Level psychology classes had the opportunity to visit the Bethlem Museum of the Mind, located in Beckenham, South London. It was an incredibly enjoyable and eye-opening day, blending historical discovery with psychological exploration in one of the most intriguing museums. 

The museum itself is found in the former administrative building of Bethlem Royal Hospital, a name that has been constant through centuries in the history of mental health care. Originally founded in 1247 and known as the Bethlehem hospital, Bethlem is the oldest psychiatric hospital in the world and is still in operation to this day. The visit helped us understand how ideas about mental illness and its treatment have evolved over time. A fascinating point we learnt was that the word ‘Bedlam’, meaning uproar, chaos and confusion, comes from the hospital itself!

One of the highlights of the day was exploring the museum’s art collection, which includes pieces created by former patients, such as Richard Dadd and Louis Wain. Their artwork was not only beautiful but also gave us a powerful insight into their personal experiences and emotional states. It made us reflect on how art can be both therapeutic and an important form of self-expression. An especially interesting part of our day was analysing a painting called ‘The Maze’, which was created by a patient at Bethlem hospital. The man, named William Kurelek created the painting in an attempt to explain how he felt to his doctors and help them piece together his mind.

We also learned about how attitudes towards mental health have changed over the centuries. In earlier times, people with mental illnesses were often treated with fear or superstition, with the two ‘diagnosis’ available at the time being either ‘mania’ or ‘melancholia’. The museum shows how, over time, these views shifted slowly toward a more compassionate and scientific approach to care and understanding.

Another thought-provoking part of the visit was seeing original documents, photographs, and even historical restraints used in treatment at the original Bethlem hospital. These displays sparked important conversations among us about the importance of dignity and human rights in healthcare.

Despite the serious subject matter, the day was thoroughly engaging and enjoyable. The museum staff were friendly and informative, and the interactive exhibits made learning fun. We left not only with more knowledge about history and mental health, but also with a deeper appreciation for the progress society has made, and the work that still needs to be done.

Visiting the Bethlem Museum was a memorable experience that combined education, empathy, and creativity. It reminded us of the power of history to teach us about ourselves and how we treat others.