Where We Live: The 21st Century Wadsworth

The Wadsworth Atheneum is the nation’s oldest public art museum. It has amassed an impressive permanent collection, and features large, popular exhibitions. But that long history can sometimes be a bit of a curse - as it fights for attention with dozens of art museums and other online entertainment options.

Susan Talbott is the tenth director in the Atheneum’s history. She came in 2008 with a love for modern and contemporary art, and has overseen a major physical overhaul of the aging building. She’s also written the introduction of a book accompanying a show now on exhibit there - by rocker, poet and photographer Patti Smith.