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The specially commissioned portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama make their formal museum debut.

The Obamas’ Official Portraits Break New Ground With Their Boldness

A picture-perfect reveal ceremony was by turns heartfelt and humorous

Souvenir Dolls, New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Best Places to Celebrate Mardi Gras Outside of New Orleans

The Big Easy might get all the fame, but places from Alabama to the south of France also know how to party before Lent

White-naped cranes flying above the DMZ.

How Korea’s Demilitarized Zone Became an Accidental Wildlife Paradise

Hundreds of rare animal species take shelter in the 155-mile no man’s land between North and South Korea

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Eight Instagrammers to Follow for an Insider’s View of the Olympic Games

From art and food to skis and skates, these Instagrammers give you a behind-the-scenes look at #Pyeongchang2018

Known as Dr. Laser, Jason Sapan has been running the Holographic Studios in NYC since 1979.

Explore the Subterranean Chambers of the World’s Longest-Operating Hologram Gallery

Dr. Laser has been creating holograms inside his NYC laboratory since the 1970s

Terje Isungset on the ice horn

Europe

These Musical Instruments Are All Made of Ice

Chill out at Norway’s Ice Music Festival this February

In Iceland, There’s a Word for an Ice Cream Road Trip. Here’s Where to Ísbíltúr This Winter

The view of Cape Town from Robben Island, the brutal prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 of his 27 years as a political prisoner. Mandela would have turned 100 this July.

Ten Major Anniversaries Worth Traveling For This Year

From Austria to the Appalachian Trail, there’s plenty to celebrate this year

This urn-shaped finial sat atop the courthouse roof until the cupola collapsed during the fire.

Five Places Where You Can Still See Remnants of the Great Chicago Fire

Though the city was completely rebuilt within two years, you can still see evidence of the fire that destroyed it

Why Winter Is the Perfect Time to Visit Bavaria

This corner of Germany is the ultimate cold-weather playground, a place where sledding down a mountain, or knocking back beers are equally worthy pursuits

Why Americans Are Suddenly Flocking to This Gorgeous Caribbean Island

Long ignored by U.S. travelers, this French island is finally enjoying its moment in the sun

The National Aquatics Center is where Michael Phelps earned his eight gold medal during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Today it's been transformed into the Happy Magic Water Cube, one of Asia’s largest waterparks.

The Paris Olympics

Four Olympic Stadiums With Unexpected Afterlives

What happens to old Olympics facilities after the medals have all been awarded?

All Smithsonian tourist sites in Washington, D.C. and New York are guaranteed to stay open through Monday, January 22, regardless of the government shutdown.

Smithsonian Museums Will Remain Open this Weekend and Monday

The days ahead may be uncertain, but for the time being, the show goes on

Highlands County, Florida

American South

Photos Document the Last Remaining Old-Growth Pine Forests of the American South

In his forthcoming book, photographer Chuck Hemard delves deep into what remains of the longleaf pine forests of his youth

The Buddhist Sculpture Gallery at the National Museum of Korea.

Winter Olympics

Seven Must-See Museums in South Korea

Get cultured while you’re in the country for the Winter Olympics

This World Heritage Site in Japan Is One of the Snowiest Places on the Planet

And you thought Boston got a lot of snow

“Although it is a somewhat formidable trip, it is by no means impossible to get out to the Great Skellig, which is by far the most interesting island off the Irish coast.”

The True History of Luke Skywalker’s Monastic Retreat

A Smithsonian Librarian delves into centuries of maps and manuscripts to discover ancient stories of this sacred place and sanctuary

Our Lady of the Airways Chapel, Logan Airport, Boston

A Brief History of Airport Chapels

Our Lady of the Airways can still be visited in Logan

Armenia

What’s an Ancient Roman Temple Doing in Armenia?

Shrouded in mystery, the Temple of Garni offers a rare glimpse into pre-Christian Caucasia

January Happenings At the Smithsonian

Blow away winter blues with our recommended list of film, lectures, concerts and more

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