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These influential artists, celebrities, leaders and scholars have shaped our world
How Did the Biggest Dinosaurs Get it On?
Of all the dinosaur mysteries, how dinosaurs like the 23-ton Apatosaurus mated is one of the most perplexing
February 09, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
Weekend Events Feb 10-12: Mourning, The Power of Chocolate Festival, and the Emerson String Quartet
This weekend, go to the Iranian Film Festival, taste and learn why chocolate was called the "food of the gods" by the Aztecs and Mayans, and enjoy a performance by the Emerson String Quartet.
February 09, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
Who Was the First to Discover Dinosaur Eggs?
Despite an immense wave of publicity heralding the discovery of dinosaur eggs in 1923, French paleontologists had discovered them decades earlier
February 08, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
How Much the Hope Diamond is Worth and Other Questions From Our Readers
From American art, history and culture, air and space technology, contemporary art, Asian art and any of the sciences from astronomy to zoology, we'll find an answer
February 07, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
Events Feb 7-9: Water Matters, Multiplicity, and Touki Bouki
This week, learn why water matters, take a guided tour of the American Art Museum's exhibition, Multiplicity, and enjoy a free film at the African Art House Film Festival.
February 06, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
Nice Things to Say About Attila the Hun
How did the terrible Attila the Hun command so much loyalty—and why, in death, was he so mourned?
February 03, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
Giants and Patriots at the Smithsonian
Just in time for the Super Bowl, take a look at giants and patriots of all kinds in the Smithsonian
February 03, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Weekend Events Feb 3-5: Under the Stars, Black History Month Family Day, and The Big Sleep
This weekend, explore the night sky at the Air and Space Museum, celebrate Black History Month at the American Art Museum, and watch The Big Sleep at the new Warner Brothers theater in the American History Museum.
February 02, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
Scrambled Eggs and the Demise of the Dinosaurs
Did egg-eating lizards and snakes contribute to the dinosaurs' extinction?
February 02, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
Celebrate Black History Month with the Smithsonian
From Kenyan storytelling performances to Black Power film screenings, February on the Mall is buzzing with Black History Month events.
February 01, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
The Top Five Most Anticipated Exhibits of 2012
Take a look at the five upcoming exhibits we're most excited about.
February 01, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
Revisiting The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich
Recently reissued, William L. Shirer's seminal 1960 history of Nazi Germany is still important reading
February 2012 |
By Ron Rosenbaum
The Other Vitruvian Man
Was Leonardo da Vinci's famous anatomical chart actually a collaborative effort?
February 2012 |
By Toby Lester
Going Mad for Charles Dickens
Two centuries after his birth, the novelist is still wildly popular, as a theme park, a new movie and countless festivals attest
February 2012 |
By Joshua Hammer
Events Jan 31-Feb 2: Draw and Discover, Great Spies of WWII, and February Daily Films
This week, sketch at the Luce Foundation Center, learn about espionage during WWII, and enjoy a Cree film at the American Indian Museum.
January 30, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
The Most Terrible Polar Exploration Ever: Douglas Mawson’s Antarctic Journey
A century ago, Douglas Mawson saw his two companions die and found himself stranded in the midst of Antarctic blizzards. His epic three-week march to safety is one of the greatest survival stories in the history of polar exploration
January 27, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
The Never-Ending Tussle Between Box Office Hits and Award Winners
Blockbuster movies often lose out at the Oscars, while winners can't find enough viewers
January 27, 2012 |
By Daniel Eagan
Weekend Events Jan 27-29: Iranian Film Festival, Renwick Birthday Party, and Silkscreening Demo
This weekend, the Iranian Film Festival features Abbas Kiarostami, the Renwick Gallery turns 40, and artist Kristina Bilonick leads a silkscreening demo.
January 26, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
A Post-Mortem on the Oscar Nominations
Who were the winners and losers in yesterday's announcement of the Oscar nominees?
January 25, 2012 |
By Daniel Eagan
At the American Art Museum: Annie Leibovitz’ Personal Journey
The world-famous photographer takes her career in an entirely different direction with her new show, "Pilgrimage"
January 25, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
