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?
Edvard Munch: The Scream
The Scream by Edvard Munch is among the world's most recognizable artworks. But how much do you really know about this image of a wavy figure with a scull-like face and wide open mouth? Sarah Lees and Beth Bacon discuss this painting in their podcast, "Why'd They Put That In A Museum." For one thing, The Scream cannot be called "one" of the most recognizable artworks… since Munch made multiple versions. Also, according to Munch’s notes, the figure in the picture isn’t the one who’s screaming. So who, or what, is? Listen to the podcast to find out. Sarah and Beth also talk about the picture’s composition, cultural context, emotional impact, and the thefts of its versions. They also explore Munch's background, his influences, and the mixed reception of his work during his lifetime.
© 2025 Why'd They Put That In A Museum podcast hosts Beth Bacon and Sarah Lees.
