Museums are often seen as quiet, formal spaces—but the podcast Why’d They Put That In A Museum? flips that script. Hosted by museum curator Sarah Lees and author Beth Bacon, this podcast speaks for, and about, some of the artifacts and artworks that a lot of people don’t really understand.

Soundbytes give you a taste of the podcast
The soundbytes on this page let you hear Sarah Lees and Beth Bacon talk a bit about the art and artists in the podcast. Season 1 soundbytes let you listen to small bits of episodes about Van Gogh, the Mona Lisa, Faith Ringgold, Richard Serra and more. Season 2 soundbytes feature The Scream by Munch, Jackson Pollock, Louise Bourgeois, and Rembrandt, and more.

Meet the Voices Behind the Podcast Mic
The soundbytes also let you get to know hosts Sarah Lees and Beth Bacon. Together, they combine academic insight and compelling storytelling to bring art to life. Sarah draws on her experience as a curator to talk about the lives and infuences of the artists—and the often curious ways their work ended up in museums. Beth, an art enthusiast but definitely not an art expert, ensures each narrative is approachable, lively, and thought-provoking.

A Different Kind of Art History Podcast
Rather than giving broad overviews or textbook summaries, each episode zooms in on a single object. That close-up look often becomes a springboard to explore broader ideas about creativity, success, and culture.

This object-first format offers a unique window into how individual artifacts can illuminate wider historical moments. They also allow us to gain insights into our modern world. The guiding question—why is this even in a museum?—often opens the door to surprising discoveries and unexpected insights.

Where the Art History Meets Today’s Culture

By tying artifacts to current themes and issues, the podcast shows how art history remains relevant today. Listeners walk away with not only a greater appreciation for the objects themselves, but also a deeper connection to the ongoing human story those objects.

From One Art Object to Big Ideas

Episodes typically begin with a close look at one specific item, then expand into discussions about its cultural, historical, and artistic importance. The format is tight and focused, making complex ideas accessible without sacrificing depth.

Listen to Why’d They Put That in a Museum? on Your Favorite Podcast Platform

You can find Why’d They Put That in a Museum? on Spotify, Apple and other major podcast platforms. Each season has about a dozen new episodes, each featuring a different object and its background story.  Are you an art lover, history buff, or just curious about museum collection? Tune in to the Why’d They Put That in a Museum? podcast.

Step inside the world of museums with Sarah Lees and Beth Bacon—and discover the stories behind the displays in Why’d They Put That in a Museum?