Arts
Creative achievements in literature and the visual and performing arts
Snakes in a Frame: Mark Laita’s Stunning Photographs of Slithering Beasts
In his new book, Serpentine, Mark Laita captures the colors, textures and sinuous forms of a variety of snake species
February 26, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
The History of the Flapper, Part 4: Emboldened by the Bob
New short haircuts announced the wearers' break from tradition and boosted the hairdressing industry
February 26, 2013 |
By Emily Spivack
10 Vintage Menus That Are a Feast for the Eyes, If Not the Stomach
From the late-19th century to the 1970s, restaurants had one surefire way of standing out
February 26, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Who Owns This Half-Million Dollar Banksy Mural?
A public piece of art, painted on a private wall, by an pseudonymous artist. Who owns the work?
February 25, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Events February 26-28: A Garden Scavenger Hunt, Japanese Flute and Drums and Author Taylor Branch
This week, get active in Smithsonian's gardens, jam out to jazz on traditional Japanese instruments and meet the author of The King Years
February 25, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
Meals in a Jar: From Pancakes to Baby Back Ribs, Just Add Water
Ready-made meals, good for months on a pantry shelf, work for busy nights, camping trips and power outages
February 22, 2013 |
By Marina Koren
Amazing Astrophotography Lets You See Nebulae in 3D
Gorgeous animated gifs give depth to stunning nebulae
February 22, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Oscar Redux: Life is a Cabaret; An Old Friend is Back
For the 40th anniversary of the Oscars that made Cabaret a classic, actor Joel Grey stops by the Smithsonian for a special donation and screening
February 22, 2013 |
By Amy Henderson
VIDEO: The Show, Lincoln’s Washington at War, Depicts the Transformation of Washington
A new documentary from Smithsonian Channel looks at how the Civil War helped transform the city of Washington, D.C.
February 22, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Photo Interactive: The Civil War, Now in Living Color
How one author adds actual blues and grays to historic photographs
February 22, 2013 |
By Ryan R. Reed
With Biodesign, Life is Not Only the Subject of Art, But the Medium Too
Artists are borrowing from biology to create dazzling "biodesigns" that challenge our aesthetics—and our place in nature
February 21, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
Micro Apartments Are the Future of Urban Living
To combat the growing housing crisis in major American cities, architects are designing smaller, more efficient apartments that will change the way urbanites live
February 21, 2013 |
By Jimmy Stamp
The World’s Greatest Angling Authors Went by Names Like ‘Badger Hackle’ and ‘Old Log’
If you're an angler and an author, there's a good chance you're using a pen name
February 21, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Interview: Jane Goodall on the Future of Plants and Chimps
The renowned chimp expert discusses her new book, her efforts to protect the rainforest and why she misses living with chimps
February 21, 2013 |
By Joseph Stromberg
The Renwick, the Grand Dame of Washington, Is Slated for Rehab
The historic 1859 art gallery, which has served many other purposes in its lifetime will undergo a two-year renovation
February 20, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
What Kind of Dog Was Pavlov’s Dog?
Turns out, Pavlov wasn't picky about which pooches he trained to salivate at the sound of the bell
February 20, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Locking Eyes With Spiders and Insects
Macrophotographer Thomas Shahan takes portraits of spiders and insects in the hopes of turning your revulsion of the creatures into reverence
February 20, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
Vilcabamba: Paradise Going Bad?
Life in this legendary town in Ecuador's Valley of Longevity may be too good—and too long—to be true
February 20, 2013 |
By Alastair Bland
Birds and Bards: Beautiful Japanese Images from the Edo Period
Everything from parrots to gossipy novels influenced art in Japan between 1603 to 1868
February 20, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Mississippi Officially Ratifies Amendment to Ban Slavery, 148 Years Late
The movie Lincoln helped kick Mississippi into action on finally ratifying the 13th Amendment
February 20, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
