Arts
Creative achievements in literature and the visual and performing arts
How Much Water Is in a Cloud and More Questions From Our Readers
Imaginary numbers, Roy Lichtenstein and much much more
April 2013 |
By Smithsonian magazine
How to Tour Frank Sinatra’s Las Vegas
Even though most of 1950s Vegas is long gone, there are still many ways to relive the haunts of Ol’ Blue Eyes and the Rat Pack
April 01, 2013 |
By Nina Fedrizzi
What Major World Cities Look Like at Night, Minus the Light Pollution
Photographer Thierry Cohen tries to reconnect city dwellers with nature through his mind-blowing composite images—now at New York City's Danziger Gallery
March 29, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
Maybe Cleopatra Didn’t Commit Suicide
Her murder, one author thinks, was covered up behind a veil of propaganda and lies put forth by the Roman Empire
March 29, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
VIDEO: “MLK: The Assassination Tapes” now a Peabody Award Winner
The award-winning program brings to light recently rediscovered footage and offers a fresh perspective on one of America's greatest tragedies
March 29, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
Now You Know the History of G.I. Joe. And Knowing Is Half The Battle
The evolution of the All American Hero from artist's mannequin to action figure
March 29, 2013 |
By Jimmy Stamp
James Cameron Decides to Let Scientists Use His Awesome Submersible
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution inherits the submarine, which they will use to built even better submersibles
March 28, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Events March 29-31: Parasitic Wasps, Joseph Henry and Victorian Portraits
This weekend, learn about wasps that live inside their prey, meet Smithsonian's first secretary from 1846 and see living rooms from 150 years ago
March 28, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
Nobody Chews Like You Chew
There are a few things that are distinct to every person—her fingerprints, voice, particular way of walking, and, it turns out, the way she chews
March 27, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Butterflies, Baseball and Blossoms: Tours for Your Spring Vacation
Two custom tours come fully loaded with insider information, digital postcards and step-by-step directions
March 27, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
An Artist’s Ode to Plankton, Set to Puccini’s ‘La Boheme’
Instead of singing to Mimi, the poet Rodolfo serenades a giant stalks of human-sized plankton wrapped in plastic pollution
March 27, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
The Minivan Turns 30
Celebrate the birthday of the iconic car that changed the way families drove
March 26, 2013 |
By Jimmy Stamp
Beyond Chinua Achebe: Five Great African Authors You Should Read Right Now
Two curators from the African Art Museum recommend recent African authors who have joined Achebe in shaping the world's understanding of the African experience
March 26, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
The Otherworldly Calm of Wolfgang Laib’s Glowing Beeswax Room
A German contemporary artist creates a meditative space—lined with beeswax—at the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C.
March 26, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
Scientists Published Henrietta Lacks’ Genome Without the Consent of Her Family
Author Rebecca Skloot argues that society is not ready for full genetic disclosures of individuals
March 26, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Events March 26-28: Student Sit-Ins, Environmental Art and Female Historical Perspectives
This week, re-enact an event that encouraged civil rights, turn water bottles into art and see American history through women's eyes
March 25, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
PHOTOS: Portrait Gallery Announces Winners of its Outwin Boochever Competition
Winners of the triennial National Portrait Gallery competition used everything from rice to glitter to thread to capture themselves and the people around them
March 22, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The Debate Continues Over How to Rebuild New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward
Five years in, the merits of Make It Right's housing project are under new scrutiny
March 22, 2013 |
By Jimmy Stamp
A Refreshing Take on Fashion Television: A Q&A with L.A. Frock Stars’ Star Doris Raymond
A new series brings high-end style to vintage wear
March 22, 2013 |
By Emily Spivack


