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Call 'Em Like Museum with Eric Johnson

Call 'Em Like Museum with Eric Johnson

How museums make cities stronger (with Tayana Panova)

Sep 15, 2026 · 49m

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Museums already do a lot: they educate the public, preserve important works of art and culture, and inspire people to create art of their own. But they have the potential to do even more. By adopting principles of urban design, museums can transform into essential "third places"—vibrant social spaces where communities gather, friendships are formed, and societies grow stronger. "The third place is essential to being healthy and happy because you need to have a place where you can just relax, be yourself, have fun, connect with friends, and meet new people," explains urbanist and psychologist Dr. Tayana Panova. How we experience a space depends entirely on its design, she says. An engaging…