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At the Smithsonian

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Newly Acquired Whale Skull a “Missing Link”

Marine mammals expert Charles Potter has big plans for his newest acquisition

This Saturday, celebrate Owney the dog, the unofficial mascot for the U.S. Railway Mail Service.

Events August 3-5: Children’s Workshop, Mail Time With Owney, East of the River Boys & Girls Steelband

This weekend, join Smithsonian for a workshop on 1950s Segregation, celebrate Owney the dog at the National Postal Museum and enjoy a steel drum concert

Author Gore Vidal, who died yesterday, published 25 novels in his lifetime. “The Smithsonian Institution” is one you’ve probably never heard of.

That Time When Gore Vidal Spiced up the Smithsonian

We take a look back at one of the late author’s lesser-known novels that imagines a history a little too close to home

The exquisite folios on display often incorporate gold details and other luxurious elements. A Prince Enthroned Iran, present-day Afghanistan, Herat ca. 1425-1430

“Worlds Within Worlds” at the Sackler Tells Stories Within Stories

A new exhibit explores the prosperous rule of the Mughal empire and the cross-cultural art it inspired

Jacob Lawrence’s 1941 Bar and Grill depicts the reality of segregation of the Jim Crow South, a new experience to the Harlem artist.

Curator Talk at the American Art Museum on African-American Art Exhibition

Virginia Mecklenburg offers a Wednesday lecture on the artists from “Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Era and Beyond”

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Smithsonian Visitors Guide & Tours App in Stores Now

Beautiful and educational, X-ray images help us learn more about evolution.

Events July 31-Aug 2: X-Ray Fish, Imperial India and Club Native

This week at the Smithsonian, the evolution of fish through X-Ray, India’s imperial arts and the divisive legacy of Native blood laws

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Baby Crocs on the Move at the Zoo

Believed to be done having children, Cuban crocodile Dorothy surprised everyone with two new babies

This Sunday, learn Kathak, one of eight traditional Indian dances.

Events July 27-29: Human Origins, “This is Peru” and a Meeting of Worlds

Celebrate Peru and learn traditional Indian dance this weekend

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VIDEO: Baby Cheetahs Frolic at the Zoo

The National Zoo’s baby cheetahs get to know their new home while waiting for their new names from the winning American Olympic sprinters

As the Olympic Games head to London, you should head to the Mall.

Olympic Games at the Smithsonian

Before you settle into your couch to watch the Olympics, get down to the Smithsonian for exhibits, games and more

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Sam Kean Decodes DNA’s Past

The author discusses his new book, a collection of entertaining stories about the field of genetics titled The Violinst’s Thumb

Both the creator of the Klingon language and the coach who helped Star Trek actors nail their foreign language lines will be discussing the life of invented languages Thursday at the Smithsonian.

Events July 24-26: Animal Migrations, Belly Dancing and the Invention of Klingon

This week at Smithsonian, learn how animals find their way across continents, try out belly dancing and pick up a new language with the creator of Klingon

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PHOTOS: Behind the Scenes with “Parks and Rec” at the Smithsonian

Amy Poehler and Adam Scott talk about filming at the Smithsonian and around D.C. for NBC’s Parks and Recreation

Jeffrey Clancy’s misshapen spoons convey an uneasiness characterizing much of the work at the Renwick’s “40 Under 40″ exhibit opening Friday. Collection of Curious Spoons, 2010.

40 Under 40 Opens at the Renwick Today

Forty artists honor 40 years of craft

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Events July 20-22: Living Earth Festival, Movie Day, Book Signings at Air and Space

This weekend, celebrate Earth, have a movie day and check out some super cool planes at the Udvar-Hazy Center

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Teen Photographers Win Spot at National Portrait Gallery

Winners of the museum’s Teen Portrait Competition discuss their portraits and the stories behind them

Research Associate Alain Touwaide, seated in his office in the Natural History Museum, argues Rome’s great expansion was driven not by geopolitical strategy, but by a need for plants.

Colds and Conquests: How A Health Crisis May Have Spurred Roman Expansion

Smithsonian Research Associate Alain Touwaide will argue that a quest for medicinal plants may have spurred Roman expansion at his July 18 lecture

“Parks and Recreation” heroine Leslie Knope would love to see this mural study from an Indiana post office on her visit to DC. Clearing the Right of Way by Joe Cox, 1938.

Five Things Leslie Knope Should See at the Smithsonian

As NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” prepares to shoot its season five in D.C., we offer up five must-sees for the newest city councilmember of Pawnee, Indiana

Wurman describes TED as the conference of the 20th century. He says WWW will be the conference of the 21st century.

Why TED Founder Richard Saul Wurman Thinks TED Is So Last Century

The creator of the popular speaker series spent Friday at the Smithsonian talking about the next step in his prolific design career

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