Beth Bacon

In addition to being an avid museum-goer, Beth Bacon is an author for young readers. Her books empower today’s kids to learn about themselves and the world through reading. She is also a teacher and branding consultant and a volunteer at the Missouri History Museum. Beth holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, an MA in Communication Arts from NYU, and a BA in Literature from Harvard University.  

Music Credit

The music you hear in the intro and outro was composed by Edward Whelan. We appreciate his contribution to our podcast.

Why’d They Put That in a Museum? A Podcast Exploring the Stories Behind Museum Objects

Museums are often seen as quiet spaces, housing everything from art to history to objects with untold stories. But have you ever walked through a gallery and wondered, “Why’d they put that in a museum?”

If you’re like most museum visitors, you might admire some art and artifacts, but not fully understand the significance of those objects. This podcast, called “Why’d They Put That In A Museum,” is helping to change that by exploring the hidden stories behind some interesting art and artifacts on display in museums.

This podcast explains why curators make the choices they do, and hopefully provides valuable insights into art, history, and artifacts. After all, understanding the history of objects and their cultural significance can enhance your experience of art. 

Uncovering the Stories Behind Museum Objects

 We believe the museum experience is one of discovery. From ancient artifacts to contemporary art pieces, every item in a museum has a story. Museum objects don’t just exist in isolation—they’re part of cultural history. The history of objects is often far deeper than what we see on the surface. So this museum podcast, “Why’d They Put That In A Museum,” helps listeners learn about the people who created a work of art, the supporters who championed it, and the cultural context that make those objects worthy of being preserved and put on display. 

Museum collections are more than just things to look at—curators put together displays as reflections of human creativity, history, and identity. Art and objects from different periods and regions tell unique stories that help us understand the world and our place in it. 

We know that when you visit a museum, it’s not always easy to engage with the visual art history of the items on display simply by looking at them and reading the art notes on the small cards attached to the wall. Wouldn’t it be great to have an actual art curator explain what’s important and interesting? That’s the object of the podcast, “Why’d They Put That In A Museum.”

Art, Artifacts, and The Stories That Led Them To Be On Display

Each episode in this museum podcast focuses on the history behind one object. Together, art curator Sarah Lees and author Beth Bacon chat and explain the cultural significance of art. They explore the lesser-known narratives behind the objects. For example, did you know the Mona Lisa was housed in the Louvre before it was a museum? That Van Gogh’s work ended up in museums because of the hard work of his sister-in-law?

Listening to the podcast, “Why’d They Put That In A Museum,” can enrich your museum exploration, giving you a new lens through which to view art. You’ll hear about the ways artists and creators interact with their environment to produce groundbreaking works of creativity. This podcast, which focuses on museum object stories, gives you an insider’s insight to the art and objects on display. You’ll also hear about the hidden histories that just can’t be seen simply by looking at the art that’s on display on the walls in a museum.

When you’re visiting museums, it’s not just about seeing the art but also understanding it. Engaging with the museum experience through this podcast gives you a deeper connection with the objects. By focusing on artifacts in museums and museum insights, you will learn to appreciate their stories and significance.

A Podcast About The Reason Art and Objects Are Chosen By Curators

This podcast can offer new understanding of the historical and cultural insights of  art and artifacts. You’ll develop a greater appreciation of the cultural significance of art. And maybe you’ll even be able to enjoy art more than ever before. Each object, piece of art, and artifact on display in a museum is there for a reason. Listen to this podcast and dive into the stories we have to tell. The experience may expand your understanding of art history and even cultural history. The podcast is a living narrative that invites you to learn, reflect, and explore about art that’s familiar—and art that makes you ask “Why’d They Put That In A Museum”?