Skip to content
Sign in
Artwork for If Objects Could Talk
Kids & FamilyEducation for KidsStories for KidsArtsVisual Arts

If Objects Could Talk

Getty

What is Athena's owl doing in the Greek marketplace? How can a clock tell time in the dark? On If Objects Could Talk, art and artifacts leave the museum vault and come alive to share their side of the story. Featuring objects from the Getty Museum collection, each episode introduces listeners to the history, creation, and everyday use of incredible items like an Egyptian cat statue, a Rococo microscope, and a glass flask shaped like a fish. Voice actors and immersive sound design bring these historical fiction tales to life. Find coloring pages, discussion guides, and related activities on the pages for each episode.
Visit our website for more resources: www.getty.edu/ioct.

Play
Open in
  • 26 episodes
  • Avg 11 min
  • English

Episodes 26

NewestOldestLongest
All6Unplayed6In progress0Played0
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • Sep 22, 2025 · 12 min

    I’m Ready for My Closeup Meow

    This Egyptian cat statuette is here to set the record straight. Yes, she’s a little bit of a diva, but don’t all cats deserve to be worshiped? No, she’s not really the goddess Bastet, just an offering to her, thank you very much. And no, she’s certainly no phony! Hear about the role of cats in ancient Egypt and how this statuette proved her age, with a little help from some conservation scientists. This podcast uses episode-specific artwork. If you don’t see an image of the Bastet statuette with this episode, you may have to turn on this setting in your podcast app. For a listening guide, a coloring sheet, images, and more, visit getty.edu/podcasts/if-objects-could-talk/.

    • Transcript
  • Sep 15, 2025 · 9 min

    Light on Your Feet

    A pair of feet lights up the scene—literally. This feet-shaped lamp knows he’s a little silly, but he’s got some seriously important work to do! Hear about how ancient houses were designed and lit in a time before you could just flip a switch. This podcast uses episode-specific artwork. If you don’t see an image of the feet lamp with this episode, you may have to turn on this setting in your podcast app. For a listening guide, a coloring sheet, images, and more, visit getty.edu/podcasts/if-objects-could-talk/.

    • Transcript
  • Sep 8, 2025 · 12 min

    A Very Brave Owl

    What dangers await Athena’s brave and loyal owl at the Greek marketplace? This Athenian coin shares his take on how money was made and used in ancient Greek city states—and how different states had different rules around the agora, or marketplace, that could sometimes get you into trouble! This podcast uses episode-specific artwork. If you don’t see an image of the owl coin with this episode, you may have to turn on this setting in your podcast app. For a listening guide, a coloring sheet, images, and more, visit getty.edu/podcasts/if-objects-could-talk/.

    • Transcript
  • Sep 8, 2025 · 12 min

    All’s Fair in Love and Games

    Does this acrobatic astragalos (an ancient kind of dice) have what it takes to win the big game? Learn about the twists and turns of ancient gameplay and how sheep knucklebones aren’t so different from modern dice. This podcast uses episode-specific artwork. If you don’t see an image of the astragalos with this episode, you may have to turn on this setting in your podcast app. For a listening guide, a coloring sheet, images, and more, visit getty.edu/podcasts/if-objects-could-talk/.

    • Transcript
  • Sep 8, 2025 · 10 min

    Snake Charm on Your Arm

    How does a snake bracelet celebrate her favorite holiday? Learn about gold jewelry, the meaning of snakes for ancient Egyptians, and the Roman holiday of Saturnalia from this snake who knows all the best secrets! This podcast uses episode-specific artwork. If you don’t see an image of the snake bracelet with this episode, you may have to turn on this setting in your podcast app. For a listening guide, a coloring sheet, images, and more, visit getty.edu/podcasts/if-objects-could-talk/. Come see the bracelet in person at the Getty Villa in gallery 216!

    • Transcript
Showing 21–26 of 26 episodes