Visual Arts
Winners Announced for National Mall Design Competition
The area between the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol has seen better days, but architects are vying to improve the nation’s front lawn
May 03, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Groundwater, Gravity and Graphic Design
An important piece of science recently popped up in Times Square, in the form of a 19,000-square-foot interactive map by a Dutch information designer.
May 02, 2012 |
By Sarah C. Rich
Gripping Photos of Fallen Soldiers’ Bedrooms
A photographer's images of domestic tranquility pay tribute to U.S. service members
May 2012 |
By T.A. Frail
Nudity, Art, Sex and Death – Tasmania Awaits You
With one big bet, an art-loving professional gambler has made the Australian island into the world’s most surprising new cultural destination
May 2012 |
By Tony Perrottet
Events May 1-3: Ripley Garden Tour, the Multi-colored Universe, and Roni Horn
This week, take a garden tour, discover the universe through cutting edge developments in X-ray telescopes, and meet acclaimed artist Roni Horn.
April 30, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
What Are America’s Most Iconic Homes?
According to the National Building Museum, these houses, more than most, have impacted the way we live
April 27, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Ai WeiWei’s Giant Animal Heads at the Hirshhorn Fountain
Chinese artist Ai WeiWei challenges ideas of authenticity with his reproduction of Qing dynasty zodiac animal heads, now on view at the Hirshhorn Museum.
April 26, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
Events April 27-29: Insight into 20th-Century African American Art, Anacostia River & Jazz Fest, Gamer Symphony Orchestra
This weekend, get some insight into 20th-Century African American Art, Dance at the Anacostia River and Jazz Fest and hear the Gamer Symphony Orchestra perform arrangements of video game music.
April 26, 2012 |
By Kelly Smith
Futureproofing California Farmland
Design teams propose new models for farming and suburban development in California's water-scarce Central Valley
April 25, 2012 |
By Sarah C. Rich
Futurism Is Still Influential, Despite Its Dark Side
What's so great about the curve-filled, machine-inspired art movement that burst on the scene in the early 20th century and owes a lot to Cubism? Certainly not its founders' politics
April 24, 2012 |
By Henry Adams
Amy Henderson: Satchmo at the National Press Club
Guest blogger and Portrait Gallery historian Amy Henderson discusses Louis Armstrong and the meaning of stardom
April 24, 2012 |
By Amy Henderson
Events April 24-26: the Genomics Revolution, Musicians from Marlboro, and Thomas Mobley
This week, discover new research on genetics, enjoy a performance from the Marlboro Music Festival's best young talent, and learn the elements that make a good film.
April 23, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
Design for a Water-Scarce Future
Design strategies for arid regions go back centuries, but in the face of climate change, drylands design is a whole new ballgame
April 19, 2012 |
By Sarah C. Rich
Events April 20-22: Draw and Discover at Dusk, Welcome Discovery, Earth Day Party for the Planet
This weekend learn to draw at the American Art Museum, visit the space shuttle Discovery and celebrate Earth Day with the National Zoo.
April 19, 2012 |
By Kelly Smith
The Breathtaking Surfing Photos Featured in Swell
A new book catalogues some of the best sites around the world to catch a wave with stunning photography
April 17, 2012 |
By Chloë Schama
Events April 17-19: Just a Dream, Craft Show Benefit, and Claudia Acuña
This week, bring the family to a play about eco-friendly practices, preview the Smithsonian Craft Show, and kick back to a Latin jazz concert.
April 16, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
Rusty Hassan Talks About John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, and Today’s Jazz Scene
Learn about the jazz legends who transformed American music.
April 14, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
Events April 13-15: Visio-Disco, Royal Mail Ship Titanic Centennial, Insights into Coltrane and Hancock
This weekend, hit the dance floor at the Visio-Disco, learn about the Titanic’s on board postal service and celebrate Jazz History Month at Rhythm Cafe: Insights into Coltrane and Hancock.
April 12, 2012 |
By Kelly Smith
Video Games Are More Than Just a Feast for the Eyes
One blind family's visit to the landmark exhibition brought them closer to their goal—to impact the video game industry
April 12, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
From the Smithsonian Collections: Famous Footwear
Famous footwear of the Smithsonian collections, from Chinese foot-binding booties to Dorothy's ruby slippers
April 10, 2012 |
By Sarah C. Rich


