THE DIDRICHSEN ART MUSEUM PODCAST
A podcast about the museum, collections and exhibitions
Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud
EPISODES
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“Be worried about extreme success,” says Arthur Demarest, world-renowned Maya expert, professor, and archaeologist.
New podcast episode live! Lessons from the ancient Maya – revelations by Arthur Demarest.
What can we learn from the ancient Maya civilization? By studying ancient civilizations and their collapses, Dr. Demarest has identified key symptoms of decline and developed a theory on apogee. In this second episode of a two-part series on the Maya, he takes us on a compelling journey connecting these themes to today’s global situation. His insights are striking—sometimes even prophetic—about crisis management and societal collapse, while also offering possible solutions for today’s challenges.”
A must-listen for anyone interested in business, crisis management, and learning from the past to navigate the future.
Language: English
Duration: 1 h 2 min
Available: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud
Photo: Jenny Didrichsen
Episode 10: Lessons from the ancient Maya – revelations by Arthur Demarest
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Who were the ancient Maya, what did they achieve, and why did their great civilization eventually collapse? In this episode, world-renowned Maya expert and archaeologist Arthur Demarest shares his deep knowledge of the Maya civilization – and reflects on its relevance to today’s world. He takes us on an adventure through the jungles in search of lost kingdoms, with stories reminiscent of Indiana Jones.
The episode connects to the Didrichsen Art Museum through its significant pre-Columbian collection. It is the first in a two-part series on the Maya.
Language: English
Duration: 1 h 44 min
Available: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud
Photo: Didrichsen
Episode 9: The Maya Mystery – uncovered by the real Indiana Jones
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The largest artwork in the Didrichsen Art Museum’s collection is a monumental sculpture by Lorenzo Quinn, commissioned for the museum’s 60th anniversary 2025. In this episode, we go behind the scenes to learn why it was commissioned, how the artist was chosen, and what inspired its design and meaning. Hear directly from Quinn in an intimate interview. The sculpture is now permanently on display in the museum’s sculpture park.
Language: English
Duration: 35 min
Available: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud
Photo: Quinn Creations
Episode 8: Two hands, one legacy – Behind the scenes with Lorenzo Quinn
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The legendary Lappish painter Reidar Särestöniemi continues to captivate the world with his distinctive art, fascinating personality and extraordinary life journey. In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the man behind the myth – exploring his life, creative process, and the inspiration behind his work. From the northern landscapes of Finland to his unique perspectives on nature, politics, and personal travels, we unravel the many layers of this one-of-a-kind artist.
In this episode, we sit down for an exclusive interview with Peter Didrichsen, a close friend of Reidar’s, who shares personal stories and insights that have not been shared with the wider public before.
Language: English
Available: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud
Photo: Peter Didrichsen, Gunnar Didrichsen, Marie-Louise Didrichsen and Reidar Särestöniemi in Särestö, 1973.
Episode 7: The Last Wolf – the life and art of Reidar Särestöniemi
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Have you ever wondered what goes on in the mind of a graffiti artist? How it is to live in anonymity as an artist, and how a graffiti artist regards creativity and the permanence of art that lives on public walls. Join us on an adventure into the imaginary world of EGS who will take you on a journey under the skin of the city. Discover the Republic of EGS and how graffiti art is smuggled into museums. With EGS we also explore topics about the world, maps, borders and travelling. Be prepared for some mental barriers and walls to be dismantled.
Language: English
Available: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud
Photo: EGS: Little Fluffy Clouds 1, 2022. Photo Marko Rantanen
Episode 6: Map of Memory -- A talk with graffiti artist EGS
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Henry Moore, the master of monumental abstract sculpture, is regarded as one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century. In this episode you will hear a special story behind one of Moore’s most unique pieces, The Archer, and how it ended up on permanent display at the Didrichsen Art Museum.
The museum holds the largest Henry Moore collection in continental Europe. Several Didrichsen family members were interviewed for this episode to discover how the collection came about and what the relationship between Moore and the Didrichsen’s was.
Language: English
Available: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud
Episode 5: Henry Moore and
the Archer
Episode 4: Composing a sculpture – Eila Hiltunen and the Sibelius Monument
Hear the story of the remarkable career of sculptor Eila Hiltunen and the creation of her magnum opus, the Sibelius Monument. What today is widely considered one of the most popular attractions in Helsinki, by locals and tourists, was once opposed to by the public.
This episode features behind the scenes anecdotes from Eila Hiltunen’s son Markku Pietinen and stories and insights about the friendship between Eila Hiltunen and the Didrichsen Art Museum founders, as told by Didrichsen family members.
Language: English
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud
Photo: Otso Pietinen
Credit:
Jean Sibelius
Finlandia, Op. 26 No. 7
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
Leif Segerstam, Conductor
(p) 1994 Ondine ODE 824-2
(c) Breitkopf & Härtel
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Multitalented artist, sculptor and jewellery designer Björn Weckström’s artistic career spans over seven decades. This episode To the moon and back opens up Weckström’s fascinating creative world. He talks about the source of inspiration for his sculptures deriving from ancient mythology connecting it to today’s world in an intriguing way. You will also hear how his jewellery ended up in a Star Wars movie and why he designed his own furniture. The conversation ranges from topics to the moon and back and everything in between.
Language: English
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud
Episode 3: To the moon and back – a conversation with Björn Weckström
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To the world, Tove Jansson is mostly known as the creator of the famous Moomin characters, but she saw herself first and foremost as a painter. Our newly launched podcast episode reveals fascinating, emotional and heartwarming stories from both her diverse professional and personal life. Her niece, Sophia Jansson, will take you on a journey from summertime magic in the Finnish archipelago with velvet rock pools and treeless islands to topics touching on Tove's incredible courage to be true to herself at a time when it was not always easy to be a woman in the creative field.
Language: English
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud
Episode 2: Tove Jansson, more than the creator of Moomin
KUUNTELE SUOMEKSI
In the first episode Jenny Didrichsen, the granddaughter of museum founders Marie-Louise and Gunnar Didrichsen tells the story of the founding of the museum, the building of its impressive collection, and how a series of unanticipated events led to its creation.
The museum is the first home that I remember having lived in and it holds a very special place in my heart. I wanted to share this story in memory of my grandparents and to honour the legacy they left behind.
Jenny Didrichsen
Languages: English, Finnish and Swedish.
Listen: Spotify, Apple podcasts, SoundCloud & YouTube.