Visual Arts
Happy Birthday Rodin, Sculptor And Breaker of Women’s Hearts
Rodin's contribution to society lives on in his artistic works, but he wrecked a few lives in his time
November 12, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
The Science Behind These Amazing Photographs of the Human Eye
What makes our eye look like a desert landscape?
November 12, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Designing a 51-State Flag
Even in 1958, the American flag was designed through crowdsourcing amateurs. If Puerto Rico joins the union, who will design the 51-star flag?
November 12, 2012 |
By Sarah C. Rich
Recent Acquisitions on Display at the National Portrait Gallery
The museum shows more than 30 selections, including portraits of Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Amerigo Vespucci
November 09, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
5 Essential James Bond Accessories
The stylish spy wore a Rolex and sunglasses that you can't buy on Black Friday on any other day
November 09, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Amazing Close-Ups of Seeds
A scientist-artist duo creates stunning images, taken through a scanning electron microscope, of seeds in the Millennium Seed Bank
November 09, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
How Astronauts Take Such Beautiful Photographs in Space
How do astronauts capture such amazing photos? What gear do they use? What problems do they run in to?
November 08, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Events Nov. 9-11: Civil War Technologies, Star Parties and Steinways
This weekend, attend a Civil War symposium, star gaze and take in word class music with bassoon player Phillip Kolker
November 08, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Art as Therapy: How to Age Creatively
A new exhibition at the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., showcases the work of elderly artists with memory loss and other chronic conditions
November 07, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Redesigning The Vote
Bad design can change the results of an election. But several professional design organizations have been working to ensure that every vote counts
November 06, 2012 |
By Jimmy Stamp
Favorites From the Cooper-Hewitt’s New Online Collection
The museum's clothing and textiles are unwrapped for view as never before
November 06, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
The Return of the Hand-Painted Sign
Hand-painted signs are making a comeback, but are they the work of artists or "mechanics"?
November 02, 2012 |
By Sarah C. Rich
In Canada, People Gladly Trade in Guns for Shiny New Cameras
Give up your pistol, get a new point-n'-shoot camera
November 02, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Beetles Invasion: One Artist’s Take on the Insect
A swarm of giant beetles, lovingly sculpted by Washington D.C.-based artist Joan Danziger, descends on the American University Museum
November 02, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
The Best Wildlife Photographs of the Year
Over 48,000 photos were entered in the Veolia Environnement contest; these 10 were among the most stunning
November 02, 2012 |
By Smithsonian.com
Incredible Political Fashion Statements From Past Elections
Forget buttons and T-shirts. Check out these mini dresses, bell bottoms and digital watches from old campaign trails
November 01, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
How to Tell If Your Kid Will Become a Great Artist
Spotting artistic talent in your own kid is hard - but here are some ways to do it
November 01, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Aldous Huxley’s Predictions for 2000 A.D.
The famous author envisioned a brave new world where swelling populations would put tremendous strain on the Earth's resources
November 01, 2012 |
By Matt Novak
Events November 2-4: Political Machines, Moon Rocks and Substantial Music
This weekend, survey the technologies of campaigns past, learn about the quirky history of moon rocks and catch a show by hip-hop artist Substantial
November 01, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Why Camille Paglia is Alarmed About the Future of Art
Is the rise of secularism behind the general malaise in the fine arts?
November 2012 |
By Camille Paglia

