See the Sprawling Secret Passageway Built for Florence’s Elite 450 Years Ago
The 2,500-foot-long Vasari Corridor impressed guests of the Medicis and other leaders that followed (including Benito Mussolini). Now, it’s reopening to the public
See How Basquiat’s Travels to the Swiss Alps Influenced His Artistic Development
A new exhibition in Switzerland examines the New York City artist’s lesser-known fascination with pine trees and snowy mountain peaks
Immerse Yourself in the Polka-Dotted World of Yayoi Kusama at a Massive New Retrospective
An exhibition in Melbourne features around 200 of the 95-year-old Japanese artist’s works, as well as artifacts that help tell the story of her life
How Trailblazing Teacher Maria Montessori Transformed the Realm of Children’s Education
The Italian physician and educator opened her first school in Rome on this day in 1907
Solomon Northup’s ‘Twelve Years a Slave’ Came to an End as He Regained His Long-Awaited Freedom on This Day in 1853
Northup’s memoir told the story of his kidnapping and years of enslavement in Louisiana. The book became a national best seller and inspired an Oscar-winning film
Exceptionally Well-Preserved Gold Ring Featuring ‘Venus the Victorious’ Unearthed on Ancient Road in France
In addition to the 1,800-year-old piece of engraved jewelry, archaeologists discovered a trove of Carolingian coins, medieval pottery and more
The Museum of Bad Gifts Is a Celebration of Outlandish Objects, From Ceramic Clowns to Cat Nail Clippings
Presented like pieces of fine art, the peculiar presents are mounted on the walls of a gallery in Toronto. Many of them will ultimately be sold at auction
New York City Is Getting Rid of Its Iconic Orange and Yellow Subway Cars
Many New Yorkers feel attached to the instantly recognizable R46s, which debuted in the summer of 1975. Officials say their replacements will arrive by 2027
Conservators Are Uncovering Elaborate Angel Murals Hidden Behind Seven Layers of White Paint at a Colonial-Era Church
The colorful wall paintings adorn Boston’s Old North Church, which played a crucial role during Paul Revere’s famed 1775 midnight ride
The First Ever Times Square Ball Drop Was Held Atop the New York Times Headquarters in 1907, Starting a Cherished Tradition
Time balls date back to the early 19th century, when they signaled the time to passing sailors. Now they’re part of the pomp and circumstance of the new year
Stunning Sculpture by Camille Claudel Rediscovered in an Abandoned Parisian Apartment
Titled “The Age of Maturity,” the artwork may reflect the sculptor’s turbulent relationship with Auguste Rodin, her mentor and lover
Happy Public Domain Day! Popeye, ‘Rhapsody in Blue,’ ‘The Sound and the Fury’ and Thousands of Other Captivating Creations Are Finally Free for Everyone to Use
On January 1, 2025, copyrights will expire for books, films, comic strips, musical compositions and other creative works from 1929, as well as sound recordings from 1924
Seventy-Seven Fascinating Finds Revealed in 2024, From a Mysterious ‘Anomaly’ Near the Great Pyramid of Giza to a Missing Portrait of Henry VIII
The year’s most exciting discoveries included musket balls fired in the early days of the American Revolution, a lost composition by Mozart and a medieval chess piece
Get a Colorful Sneak Peek of Notre-Dame’s New Stained Glass Designs
Nearly a year after the controversial plans to replace six original windows were first announced, the French government unveils the winning plans by artist Claire Tabouret
Beatlemania Took the United States by Storm on This Day in 1963, Launching the British Invasion
With their arrival in America, the Beatles ushered in a new era of hyper-popular rock ’n’ roll music
Before the Yule Lads Evolved Into Icelandic Versions of Santa Claus, They Terrorized Children Into Following the Rules
Today, the 13 brothers are said to leave presents in well-behaved youngsters’ shoes. But they used to be depicted as frightening monsters
Joseph Smith, the Founder and Prophet of Mormonism, Was Born Into an Impoverished and Itinerant Family in Vermont
Throughout his childhood, the young Smith, born on this day in 1805, fought disease, poverty and spiritual battles of his own
How a College Gym Teacher in Massachusetts Invented a New Sport to Keep His Students Entertained and Fit During the Frigid Winter
From a humble first game with peach baskets and a soccer ball on this day in 1891, basketball evolved quickly into one of the world’s most popular sports
See How Talking Portraits Bring the Greatest Living Shakespearean Actors to Life
A collection of ten digital portraits of famous thespians—including Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart and Harriet Walter—are on view at the Red Eight Gallery in London
These Five Trailblazing American Women Will Be Featured on Quarters in 2025
The U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters Program has announced its fourth and final group of honorees from throughout American history
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