Why'd They Put That In A Museum?
Art. Objects. Museums. Ideas. Questions. What happens when you put things on display and invite people in to look? Have you ever seen art on display and wondered, “Why’d they put that in a museum?” Museum curator Sarah Lees and author Beth Bacon start each conversation with one item, in one specific museum. We explore the object, its history, and the cultural ideas surrounding it. In the end, that object takes on new meaning as listeners discover the fascinating reasons it ended up in a museum.
Why'd They Put That In A Museum?
Vivian Maier, American photographer
In this episode of 'Why They Put That in a Museum,' hosts Beth Bacon and Sarah Lees discuss the unusual story of Vivian Meier, an unknown nanny whose extraordinary street photography was discovered by chance in an unclaimed storage locker. They discuss the unique and enigmatic nature of her photographs and the very unusual way her body of work came to be known. In fact, none of Meier’s powerful and thought-provoking photos are on display in traditional museums. Sarah and Beth go on to explore broader questions about the definition and purpose of museums. Tune in to discover why Vivian Meier's photography is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
Suggested Links
https://www.vivianmaier.com/
https://newyork.fotografiska.com/en/exhibitions/vivian-maier
Timeline
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
01:50 Today's Subject: Vivian Meyer
02:21 The Discovery of Vivian Meyer's Work
05:15 Analyzing Vivian Meier's Photography
11:33 The Debate: Should Meier's Work Be in a Museum?
20:47 The Purpose of Museums
22:34 Conclusion
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© 2025 Why'd They Put That In A Museum podcast hosts Beth Bacon and Sarah Lees.
