A bonus episode of the new Art Fund podcast, Art and Stuff. Join Ben Miller as he explores the history of one of the grandest objects of furniture in the land, the Great Bed of Ware, part of the collection at the V&A in London. Made in the 16th century, it has been host to thousands of somnolent occupants over the years. Ben hears more about its fascinating story from curator Nick Humphrey and writer Jonathan Ruffle, while sleep experts Sasha Handley and Colin Espie share some interesting nuggets on the science of sleep and the curious nature of our bedtime habits.If you love Meet Me at the Museum, we'll sure you'll enjoy Art and Stuff! To hear every episode, please subscribe to Art and Stuff wherever you listen to your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A short trailer to introduce a new podcast from Art Fund called Art and Stuff. Join guest presenter Ben Miller as he takes a closer look at some of the most fascinating stuff inside our museums. From bits of buried treasure to iconic portraits to outlandish furniture, what do these things say about us? Each episode a range of people share their expertise and passion, revealing the incredible stories behind the objects we collect, curate and cherish. If you love Meet Me at the Museum, we'll sure you'll enjoy Art and Stuff! The new 10-part series begins on 10 December. To hear every episode, please subscribe to Art and Stuff wherever you listen to your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, comedian Russell Kane speaks to a variety of guests about how the lockdown has affected cultural venues across the UK and explores why museums matter more than ever. Alistair Hudson, director of the Whitworth Gallery in Manchester and Elinor Morgan, head of programme at MIMA in Middlesbrough, talk about the positive role museums can play in the community; writer and critic Olivia Laing examines the ways art can help during a crisis; and arts influencer Katy Hessel constructs an imaginary museum full of some of her favourite works of art. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Broadcaster Anneka Rice takes her friend, actor and writer Imogen Stubbs, to Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, the former palatial holiday home of Queen Victoria, where they get to explore the house’s opulent interiors, reminisce about the time Anneka landed in a helicopter there for the 80s TV show Treasure Hunt, and find out more about Victoria and Albert’s distinctly progressive attitude toward parenting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Instagram influencer and host of The Great Women Artists podcast Katy Hessel visits the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden in St Ives with her friend, the artist Unskilled Worker. While there, they explore the stunning garden and discover more about the life and work of one of the 20th century's most important artists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Broadcaster and DJ Edith Bowman takes her friend, photographer Kellee Quinn, to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, where they explore the diverse collection on show, reflect on Scottish history, art and identity, and get up close with iconic paintings by Salvador Dali and L.S. Lowry.Please note: UK museums including Kelvingrove are currently closed due to the Covid-19 crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV presenter, comedian and actress Mel Giedroyc and her good friend Emma Pierce head along to Pitzhanger Manor in Ealing, west London, to explore the former country home of famed architect and art collector Sir John Soane. While inside they discover more about Soane’s family life, including the difficult relationship he had with his children, as well as take in the manor’s newest space, which is home to an ongoing programme of contemporary art exhibitions.Please note: UK museums including Pitzhanger Manor are currently closed due to the Covid-19 crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Fi Glover takes a look back at some of the highlights from Meet Me at the Museum in 2019, including Russell Kane getting to grips with culture and class at the Whitworth art gallery in Manchester and Lucy Porter stepping back 500 years into the past at the Mary Rose in Portsmouth, plus many more inspirational museum adventures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist and TV presenter Kirsty Wark takes illustrator Johanna Basford to V&A Dundee, where they explore the city’s newest cultural icon, tour a renovated Charles Rennie Mackintosh tearoom, and uncover the rich history and global influence of Scottish design. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actor and comedian Miles Jupp takes his friend Anna Antebi to Tredegar House in Wales, where they explore the beautiful gilded interiors of this 17th-century manor house, uncover the history of the aristocratic Morgan family who lived there, and learn all about the eccentric Evan Morgan, famed for his wild parties and outrageous behaviour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.