The Case for Museums | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios

The powerful and privileged have hoarded precious artifacts in museums for centuries, and it's only recently that these treasures were made available to the rest of us. What purpose did museums serve? And why does every city have one today?
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[@llama01100]

I like the idea of decontextualizing and recontextualizing the pieces in a museum. That was a really interesting point. Thanks for the video.

[@clarissahigginbotham2498]

I loved museums. My dad had made that an important part of growing up. By 6th grade I had been to over 80 different museums. So hooray for museum.

[@brenohenrique6666]

This channel inspired me to go to a museum in the first place and the reason for me to go again and again a third time with friends without they changing the expositions it's because it made me see works from artistis from Brazil and more importantly from the region where i live. And made in America content being so much of i watch ,see and listen see works of people that are literally closer to my experience in life makes especial.

[@theartassignment]

Hooray! So happy to hear this. In other news, I would love to take an Art Trip to Brazil at some point (Inhotim!), and there's certainly plenty of art history and present to cover when it comes to Brazilian artists. Thanks for watching.

[@brenohenrique6666]

The Art Assignment That would be so great, Inhotim is actually in a different state ,Minas Gerais ,really far south from where I am so I would get to know through the channel and I think they have mostly expositions of artists from all over the world , right? So you would get to know Brazil and see pieces of a bunch of other places .

[@trebleclef444]

This channel and the brainscoop inspired me to pursue a career in museum collections! Thanks for all you do!

[@theartassignment]

Yay! (Hopefully you will not resent us for it someday ;))

[@steepertree]

How timely to drop this episode the day the Met's new admissions policy starts. Good job.

[@jkgl5818]

wow i totally forgot it started today, how depressing that they must do this!

[@h3rbst_schm3rz14]

Hey Sarah! I just wanted to point out that while some museums may have returned colonial loot to its rightful owners the majority hasn't. It's a part of the 'collection craze' of the 19th and early 20th century where the colonising powers would try to accumulate as many 'exotic curiosities' as possible. Often through stealing or manipulating their rightful owners to surrender them. Take the case of the Benin bronzes. The British burned the city of Benin down after the King of Benin had refused to trade with them. They took everything, including the bronzes which to the people of Benin are a way, in fact THE way of documenting their history and culture. Often these bronzes were highly personal because whenever someone died they'd put their likeness on a bronze plate to remember and celebrate them. The British took these and sold them to all the colonial loot crazy museums and individuals in Europe and overseas where they remain today. The Museum für Völkerkunde in Hamburg (which has a very rich colonial history) still has a lot of them. Western museums then classify their stolen goods as "primitive art" for white people to marvel at and, as I pointed earlier, in most cases refuse to return them. Most of the Benin bronzes are still locked away in Western museums. And sometimes these things aren't even on display but vanished somewhere in the archives and STILL museums refuse to let them go. And as to the question of "safe-keeping" that's also a deeply racist thing, assuming that the countries of origin are less capable of keeping these objects safe and in good shape than Western museums. This mindset is especially ironic since a lot of colonial loot fell victim to the wars that ravaged Europe and/or for instance in the case of the Hamburg collection, a bad case of asbestos in the archives.. So while I do agree that museums are good and should continue existing, I think that they should also be critical of their collections and return any and all stolen items to their countries of origin.

[@TheQuetzalcoatl]

I'm sure she knows that. And while I agree in principle, some countries ARE less capable of keeping the items safe, mostly for reasons of wars and uprisings and not having the money to keep up with the necessary technology, not different mentality or culture, just ... internal/structural problems. So it may be better to wait in many cases. I'd rather the items be preserved, wherever they are, than be lost/destroyed.

[@h3rbst_schm3rz14]

TheQuetzalcoatl I'm sure she does. However I don't agree with how she brushed over the subject saying that the items were being kept safe for the day they could be returned to their rightful owners. Because in most cases that just isn't true. Museums don't hold on for safekeeping but for the privilege and prestige of owning certain collections. As for what you said about safekeeping, that's exactly the argument they always make, which is extremely patronising. Museums should not be allowed to make that decision of whether or not a country is "able" to take care of an item. Because that argument comes from the old colonial and racist mindset of "These people are savages. They are not like us. We are the civilized." It's the museums' infantalizing way of saying that the countries of origin cannot be trusted to take good care of their own property. And not because they have war or whatever. Because Europe also had wars and somehow we still thought we were more able to take care of stuff. No not because of war or anything other than the simple fact that they aren't white and thus "lesser". That's what that is. Thusly, museums should start questioning and criticizing their own institution and history of racism and should return the item and that is that. Because it doesn't belong to them. The Benin bronzes for instance belong to the people of Benin and no one else.

[@ronan_42]

@TheQuetzalcoatl ...how would you feel if I decided your belongings are "safer" with me? Sure I'll give them back to you some day But right now I just don't see you able to take care of them It's not your fault You just live in a bad neighbourhood I'm afraid someone might steal from you That's why I am stealing from you so that no one else can

[@ronan_42]

"They may be full of decontextualised problematic objects. But museums uphold the charge of not only keeping these things safe but recontextualising them in novel an enlightening ways, making them available to us for enjoyment and study and returning them to their rightful owners when called for." 2:31 WOW. I would like to know who she means with "us". This whole idea that once upon a time these objects were only available to the rich and powerful but now they are also available to "us" *yay* completely disregards that "we" are the rich and powerful now, especially compared to the people whose ancestors these objects come from. The mere fact that not all museums are free and that a museum in the US or Europe isn't accessible to most people whose heritage they are showcasing should make one aware that the hierarchy has not shifted one bit. So Sarah can be happy all she wants that she is included now, because she is somewhat rich and powerful, but she should mention that this IS a privilege that is not extended to the majority of the world population.

[@AnnoyingAsianWitch]

+

[@lizm92]

Museums are the mainstay of any visit I make to any city in the world. I became nostalgic for the museums you featured where I had been before, and I was filled with longing for the museums featured that I had not yet seen. Hopefully I will get to all of them!

[@PatrickStaight]

"Art without context is trash the way food becomes trash when you put it in the sink." -Bennett Foddy It is the job of the museum curator to preserve as much context as possible in the space available. For me, the most enjoyable part of a museum is talking about the objects with other patrons.

[@margaretguillory]

So good. I kept pausing it to drink in the images and read the locations. Excellent as always.

[@kwright]

The best art channel on youtube. Thank you for continuing to make videos!

[@chaeburger]

You have warmed the heart of this student of museum studies.

[@reapeck]

Wow! I can't believe my tiny local museum (the maritime museum) made it here. I audibly gasped.

[@tesseraph]

I've been frustrated by opinions of museums - particularly those of the natural history persuasion - and how unethical the collection of the...collection is more than once. So far, I've done only an okay job of defending them. But now I've got help: this video. Thanks, Art Assignment, for making the thing I forgot I needed!

[@theartassignment]

As a museum lover, I think it's critical in any defense of them to acknowledge all that they don't get right. And how different each one is! Glad this might be helpful for you, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@KrishnaRaj-qi7nk]

@@theartassignment jn

[@vdevov]

The Musée de l’Orangerie, in Paris, tops my list. So impactful. Everything is great there, but it’s top floor is wonderful, just with how they not only present Monet’s paintings in oval shaped rooms, but in how they make sure you can’t see the art until you are in the room itself. A proper emotional experience. One which brought my wife to tears. Highly recommended.

[@Morwena]

I am a Conservator of Antiquities from Greece and that was a great video! I enjoyed it very much! Well done! :D

[@AmorSciendi]

Great video. I've been thinking a lot about this myself and how the story of how the artifacts came to a certain location is a part of the artifact's story. Consequently, you can learn a lot about the history of the world and interactions between geographic areas just by looking at those horses in St. Mark's square you showed.

[@margony6921]

This is so good! I recently visited the Guggenheim museum in Venice when I was there on holiday, and it was incredible. I have always found out a lot about myself when going to museums. It's like digging into history books but that history book is you.

[@andrewsartwork]

i love this i work as an intern at the folk art museum in manhattan and it’s really given me a deeper understanding of not just art and artists but the staff and people that have to work as one and make sure the museum experience is as perfect as possible

[@ivanlupi]

I am glad you included Te Papa Tongarewa.

[@theartassignment]

Really want to go there someday!

[@JessicaSmith-gd1fu]

Thanks for this thoughtful video. My husband and I visited the Art Institute of Chicago for the first time yesterday. We toured the American and Impressionist sections and were bowled over by many of the works. I was surprised to find that I was more drawn to Renoir than Monet. I felt that "transcendence" you mentioned when I saw the Chagall window. I had thought, from seeing photos, that it might glow and was delighted to see that, even on a cloudy day, it did glow. I am so thankful for museums. My family are members of the IMA (Newfields) and visit it often. Taking a walk on the grounds is a favorite weekend activity for my husband and I. Here is my thumbs up for this video since my like button is not appearing today.

[@firewordsparkler]

This was beautiful. I feel so privileged to have visited so many of the museums featured in this, and I can't wait to visit so many more.

[@roseliu7465]

This video just made my day! I'd been waiting for your new video!

[@estrellacasias]

This day was good and now it's even better

[@kacho962]

This video got me really emotional about art and its relation with our human history, this was a reminder of why I hope one day I can get to work taking care of it and learn from it every day. I love all the content you share, is always inspiring.

[@eringallagher6408]

I'm in school for archives and records management, and nearly all of these points are applicable for archives as well! Great video!

[@ashleyraujol2780]

I adore this series!

[@estrellacasias]

Ashley Raujol same here

[@roseliu7465]

Same here!

[@lorenabpv]

my local museum is at 2:42! i love to go there to get the full effect of glass stands and a huge room with a continuous view of art through time

[@jwalakantkumar3707]

lorenabpv by

[@capsfox]

I really liked this video! It makes me want to go check out my local museums again and think about them a bit differently. It's a bit sad that I haven't been to most of these places... but maybe some day!

[@JodiRenshaw]

Thank you so very much for these videos!

[@liloddbit]

Thank you, Sarah! Every video you post speaks to my heart, educates me with awesome interesting things, opens my mind to knew ways of thinking. I'm so grateful for The Art Assignment! Now I'm off to research all the museums in my area, especially those that are toddler friendly (I have a two year old)! Thank you!

[@Laaaaaaaaaura]

The Art Assignment is the very best

[@zuzanamorvayova5736]

Wow, so many interesting and eye-opening arguments... This is a great way to invite all of us to these magical and content-rich places without making "cheap promotion". Thanks a lot for this video!

[@sbrichcreek]

Well said. Thank you for speaking from this point of view.

[@elleplaudite]

Thank you. Now I can direct people to this video, instead of going on my usual rant.

[@marielaalcantar4850]

Elina Terava curious, which is?

[@elleplaudite]

Mariela Alcantar Similar in content as this video, but much less graceful and optimistic.

[@Annauaos]

OMG, love this episode! Did not know that museums needed defending, yet this was really illuminating!

[@artisticsyko]

Excellent explanation to modern history and to its public display.

[@KB-zo6ky]

Another great video! As an Indigenous Studies and Public history double major, I just need videos like these to remind me what all the stress and hard work is for. Bravo!I

[@amyamy1507]

I LOVE Museums! I visit as many as I can wherever I travel to. ❤️ My favourite so far are the Reina Sofia in Madrid, the British Museum, the museum of modern art in Edinburgh and the portrait gallery there too. Also the Vatican museums, the national gallery and the Tate museums in London... and if it counted as a museum then the Venice biennale, specifically the giardini part. 😀

[@marvinb_g]

What a fantastic episode. I'll always love museums and in this way the case will never be closed. Thanks, for bringing me closer to knowing why I love them. 😉👌

[@theartassignment]

Great point! None of these cases should ever be closed, actually. We should always reconsider and weigh the good and bad of museums, Kanye West, et al. :)

[@julianyberg6733]

I really appreciate your work

[@MrAdmiralfreak]

Proud of St. Petersburg's Hermitage on the preview and 0:42. Thanks for appreciation :)

[@ranot2]

The case for museums is particularly interesting considering you're in Indianapolis, home of Newfields, where they're looking at the role of a museum in a broader way. Thanks for making this!

[@KannikCat]

"Lots... and lots... and lots... of neoclassical museums." ;) A nice exploration! I especially love the emphasis on how museums can allow us to reconsider our past to gain perspectives on what it means to be a human being... that's a really provocative thought. It is making me wonder how museums might better facilitate such reflections, as I'm guessing many do not have that in mind when they visit. I also like the notion that re-visiting a museum can lead us to see new art, even if there is no new art there -- seeing something newly is like seeing something new. We read/watch stories multiple times and get new things out of it each time, why should this type of art be any different? I've never heavily considered visiting museums multiple times, but now I will. :) Thank you for another great episode!

[@mr.goodpliers6988]

Fascinating!

[@maxinewest4096]

It good their museum for art and other items that is of ancient origin,. Makes for informative learning.

[@AmbroseReed]

Inspiring!

[@theartassignment]

Hi, Ian! Nice to hear from you, as always.

[@AmbroseReed]

Always nice to be heard. :)

[@SarahMRobbins]

Who is the one museum hater? How can you not like them??

[@myopinionsarefacts]

I mean, I don't, but the argument is there are better ways to spend money, especially public money

[@BookishLish]

Loved seeing Diego Rivera’s mural at the DIA (my local art institute) included in this! I think they do a wonderful job in how they present their pieces, and they have so many varied collections that span from ancient history to modern day, many touching on social issues and inequality. For example, they have an entire section of their colonial art exhibit that features black painters of the time and their artwork, people who are subject to erasure most of the time.

[@ronmasters751]

“Babylonian King ,,, collected antiquities”. That got my attention .

[@awtang20]

Excellent video!! What is the background music you use here?

[@kimgalbraith8642]

This was a great video. I think a similar episode for younger children should be created if you have time. These timestamps seem the most applicable: 0:00-2:00, 2:57-3:52, 4:03-4:55, 5:35-6:26

[@mariaolzoeva8873]

OMG HERMITAGE MY 2ND FAVOURITE BUILDING MY CITY damn i just was there today!! thank you!

[@lefege444]

My Master’s is about performance art and museology! Could you recommend some articles/books/videos/etc in the museum’s history and classifications in the description? Thank you!

[@malachi551]

I work at a living history museum and I would like to say this is head on.

[@janisfroehlig7744]

Sarah's KZbin take on museum architecture is pricelss

[@ARTiculations]

Yesss I do really want to second your point at 7:43 - museums are definitely not impenetrable fortresses. Many of the gallery guides at our museum do not have art or museum backgrounds - yet many have been volunteering and shaping visitors experiences for decades. They have directly sat in meeting with curators and directors, become a part of museum boards, sat on endowment committees and influenced new collection purchases.

[@munstergirl25]

And still, to work in a Museum (especially in leadership roles) is the privilege of a a few. The museum field is highly-educated, poorly-paid. Yes, you can get involved and many museums encourage participation, but we need to have honest conversations about the challenges in the sector as well.

[@HAN2929]

2:57 "Hauuu we display things..." *Eduard Hau on the caption* I see what you did there.

[@sofiajg9793]

Awesome video as always!! I love how friendly your videos are! I've always been drawn to museums, and it is one of my dreams to work on a art museum someday... Do you have any recomendations?

[@lindsey4721]

Sofía JG I work in museums so I can offer some advice (not loads as I'm still establishing my career myself but...) volunteering is key or regular involvement some how. Show people you are keen and ask if you can get involved with things. Never assume that you don't have enough experience so therefore people won't consider you. And if you are happy to, find your specialism and try to master it. Museums love experts :) hope that's helpful!

[@sofiajg9793]

Thanks! It really helps!!! I'm on my way to get better, but I never had the courage to ask for a job in a museum lol

[@xdinoify]

Detroit Industry by Diego Rivera! I’m going to see it in the flesh at the Detroit Institute of Art soon! and other stuff too of course! yay

[@ignacionavarroibanez7931]

MAravilloso la informacion de este museo

[@TeteRecinos]

This is seriously my favorite newly discovered channel. Any chance we can get a case for photography/x photographer?

[@slendy9600]

IIRC she kind of goes into photography a bit in her "the case for copying" video. I think... at any rate you should watch it, its a good video

[@TeteRecinos]

slendy9600 thank you! Will do

[@Na23Be]

Bilbao's Guggenheim is ship shaped in reference of the industrial past of Bilbao.

[@jasonc369]

Speaking of museums, I’d love to see you do an episode with Emily Graslie! She’s an artist by training and just generally great!

[@Caro-hh8wk]

I think this video made me understand the point about deconstructivism

[@SeraX2]

Especially considering the interesting point made about the changes in contextualization museums give these objects, I'm curious how people think the City Museum in St. Louis fits into this. It's not a conventional museum, by any means, I'm not even sure if really counts as a museum, but the way it revitalizes what would otherwise be trash and waste into not only art but art the public can scramble in and hang upside-down on might be worth bringing up. At the very least, all my art teachers didn't have to try very hard to explain to administration why a field trip there was relevant to whatever art class they wanted to get out of the building (not as easy as taking everyone to the SLAM though, since that's free and right by the zoo).

[@burkleypage1443]

I have been loving the videos lately! Though I have a question/criticism. I, being a photo major, would love to see more photography in the art assignment! People like Jacques henri lartigue or Keith carter or William eggleston! I'm a photo major and photo nerd so I am biased. But I would love some "case for" of photographers not well received. Just my 2 cents though. I'm a photo history nerd and would love other people to realize how exciting it can be!

[@burkleypage1443]

Secondly. If I'm wrong and I just missed the photo stuff, can people point me in the right direction?

[@theartassignment]

We have featured a number of photographer in our assignment-based videos, like Alec Soth (kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4G1g4Rtr5xorpI), Laurel Nakadate (kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5SbfHaAjrt-fdk), Jan Tichy (kzbin.info/www/bejne/pojCh36wl6iMd7M), and Tanja Hollander (kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqHSpH-oabmHn6s), among others. Also photography is woven through other videos like The Art History of the Selfie (kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJfSgX2ki9d1hK8). There's certainly more to cover, and thanks for your suggestion! Which photographers come to mind for a case for?

[@burkleypage1443]

The Art Assignment I understand it is KZbin so some pictures might be more firenldy for the platform than others, but I think there is a great stigma against Sally Mann for her child nudes, even someone like Alexander Gardner who is now criticized for moving bodies in the civil war, even though at the time there were no real photographic precedents. I LOVED when man ray was brought up in that video I can't remember the name of probably surrealism. Something that I find interesting is that in photo, the only real child prodigy I see is Jacques henri lartigue. I think it could be cool to do a case for child photography! I think people assume photo doesn't take much talent, (coming from a Kodak "you push the button we do the rest" era) so a prodigy doesn't make much sense because anyone could to it. But keep up the great work I really love the videos it keeps me inspired when I'm running dry on ideas sometimes

[@Rawr98]

Yay for democratisation of culture !

[@theartassignment]

Hear hear!

[@lainajoygallerychicago9716]

I can't wait for The Art Institute of Chicago to reopen after covid passes

[@saoirseryan6355]

Haha I love the Emily Graslie picture

[@directionmaker]

Hello Mam Sorry for irrelevant question here but can you help me with this error HOST = gethostbyname(gethostname()) is not define error in packet sniffer code python, i'm doing this code from your tutorials on packet sniffer thanks reply as soon as possible

[@efosaosaghae2899]

Do 'The case for Basquiat" please!

[@VanHalenDrummer]

Can we get a case for Basquiat?

[@dorothypinotti2425]

Thank all that was in this art time's..! God'!!!Love's all An I do too !!An I Love TheArt Assignment. This is what I Love. THANK.YOU SoSo. MUCH!..MS..PINOTTI

[@leandraluna2311]

First: Yay Emily! Second: I'm curious to as why you didn't share your experience as a curator?

[@mikedonovan8811]

I like the picture of the people making an oath to the IPad. Or is it an IPod? At 7:16.

[@satsumajuice4]

I would love a video on aboriginal art!

[@scorpioninpink]

Unfortunately we do not have enough Museums in The Philippines.

[@kdnwksnjwusu6755]

BRAINSCOOP !! 😁😁

[@nikiarrowsmith]

Oh my God these videos are so fast they're unwatchable. I have to keep reminding to examine the pictures and captions. Slow down!

[@EdwrdMrrs]

NikiArrowsmith indeed, so annoying.. just breathe at least once..

[@acg4879]

The Case for Peggy Guggenheim?

[@jinkiesjess155]

I wish more people understood that museums aren't just storage facilities that you can visit. Museums (most of us anyway) are very ACTIVE in our communities. We work with our local schools, libraries, and other organizations to create/host educational programs. We help people do research (whether it's genealogical research or research for a book or just curiosity). We're very involved, there's always an upcoming event to work on. This is true even for museums in small towns and rural areas (like the one I work at). I always encourage people to look up your local museum. Even if it's small and doesn't seem like much on the outside, there's surely a wealth of information in there. We have a sort of unofficial motto at the museum I work for. "Every place has a story. We aim to preserve it and share it."

[@elessal]

as long as the art being demanded was stolen and the country is going to be returned is safe and will be safe for the foreseeable future then I have no problem.

[@___Benedetto]

Museums in NYC Moma: at least it has some good art Guggenheim: 90% of the stuff is not considered art . The natural history Museum: got a movie based off of it that’s pretty cool . The Cooper Hewitt: more people talk about those go there it’s free . The Met: B I G and it has a good art .

[@NOMADcourier85]

Asteroid? What Asteroid?

[@sabahfatema]

Are we not dying/ to bury ourselves in museums?

[@AllegrettoATempo]

I was unaware we needed to make a case for museums? I guess it was dumb of me to assume that everyone values the public dissemination of awesome stuff.

[@rosamariarodriguezcolon7108]

Goid nite

[@NoelleMar]

No top comments about Erik Killmonger?!

[@AllIsWellaus]

Simply. I think you'd be generally shocked if you knew the number of fraudulent artefacts that came from the time of antiquity, especially in the form of bronze bust.

[@i8anapplemac]

Once went to a modern art museum on a 2nd or 3rd date in Glasgow. I didnt think to check which special exhibitions were on on this day, I just assumed it’d be fine- how wrong I was. 20ft projections of about 5 or 6 women in all black leather gimp suits around a man..... Extremely awkward, which you can view and hear the audio from multiple sections of the museum. Needless to say, my date never wants to go back to a modern art museum!

[@graphite2786]

Isla How unusual ! I had the absolute opposite experience, went to a Mapplethorpe exhibition and the "disturbing images" provoked much discussion and brought us closer. Maybe an uptight date, no?

[@marielaalcantar4850]

graphite I don't thing that makes that person uptight. It made them uncomfortable and that's okay, you can't judge him or her on their experience. But it's unfortunate that they won't give it another chance.

[@marielaalcantar4850]

Thomas Headley I have to disagree with you. Art has many purposes; artists create pieces as a response to the world and experiences. They don't all have to elicit discomfort, or make an argument for their existence.

[@sbksweatz4568]

i got an A on this

[@mikkosaarinen3225]

Torilla tavataan :b

[@buffdaddddddddy]

museums are also a part of a billion dollar industry funded by arms and oil money.... the important work that cultural workers do should not be conflated with the work that museums do for their wealthy patrons. the fact is that museums are part of an industry like any other. this is of course not to say don't go to museums, you can't contemplate 'purely' etc but to resist romanticizing and instead insist on complexity and contradictions of our current art industry, i promise you, it keeps you nimble.

[@gracebrown3733]

I don't know why but I found the "privileged" label really funny.

[@giantsalsa3977]

Can I just say, this video was interesting, but the pace was too fast, with too much being said, too few and unmarked breaks between sentences, and the shots being changed too quickly, so it was difficult to concentrate. I found myself zoning out and having to backtrack multiple times.

[@spacemanapeinc7202]

I really hate some museums that have cultural artefacts but don’t bother actually teaching anything from the culture.

[@mje1625]

Museums protect and preserve? How naive are some of you? Here's why museums exist... TO MAKE MONEY! I'll take a graduating university art student's senior exhibit over a pompous, arrogant, self-indulgent, self-centered museum exhibit any day!