Podcast Episodes
Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear by Vincent Van Gogh
Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold
Cage Crinoline by Unknown Maker
Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci
Storage Jar by Dave the Potter
What is a museum?
Why’d They Put That in a Museum?
A Curator-Led Art History Podcast
In a world where museums often feel like silent spaces, “Why’d They Put That in a Museum?” brings art and artifacts to life through engaging conversations that make museum objects accessible to everyone. This unique podcast, hosted by museum curator Sarah Lees and author Beth Bacon, offers listeners a journey through the stories behind museum objects.
About the Podcast: Meet Your Hosts
Sarah Lees and Beth Bacon brings a perfect blend of professional expertise and storytelling to each episode. As a curator, Sarah provides insider knowledge of collection care and curation decisions while Beth’s author perspective ensures the stories remain engaging and accessible to all listeners.
Single-object Stories Make This Museum Podcast Unique
Unlike traditional art history podcasts, “Why’d They Put That in a Museum?” takes a single object as its starting point and weaves a broader narrative about human creativity, ambition, and cultural significance.
This object-centered approach offers listeners a view into ways that museum pieces connect to larger historical and contemporary issues. Each episode starts with a seemingly simple question about why a particular object deserves its place in a museum. The conversation naturally unfolds to reveal unexpected connections and fascinating historical contexts. This approach helps bridge the gap between casual museum visitors and the deeper stories behind each artifact.
Cultural Context and Commentary
The podcast connects historical objects to contemporary discussions, making museum pieces relevant to today’s audiences. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of how museum objects reflect our shared human experience.
From Single Object to Broader Narratives
Episodes typically begin with a focused examination of one specific item before expanding into wider cultural discussions. This format helps listeners connect with individual pieces while understanding their broader significance in art history and human culture.
Sarah Lees and Beth Bacon bring their unique perspectives to each conversation, offering curatorial expertise and storytelling. Short, focused segments help maintain listener interest while providing deep insights into the featured objects.
Listen and Connect: Available Podcast Platforms
The podcast is available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, making it easily accessible to listeners worldwide. New episodes are released regularly, featuring different objects and their fascinating stories. “Why’d They Put That in a Museum?” offers a fresh perspective on art and cultural objects making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the stories our museums tell.
Discover the stories behind museum objects with the ‘Why’d They Put That in a Museum?’ podcast. Join curator Sarah Lees and author Beth Bacon as they unravel the mysteries of art and artifacts.