Skip to main content

Subscribe to Smithsonian magazine and get a FREE tote.

Travel

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

Gift and her mother.

A Visit to the House of the Mountain Gorillas

A trek through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park brings you up close and personal with an endangered gorilla population

An African lion enjoying an afternoon snack in the falling snow of 2012 at the National Zoo.

How Zoo Animals Stay Safe and Warm in the Arctic Blast

From flamingo ‘hot tubs’ to heated termite mounds, zoos have plenty of tricks to keep creatures safe when the forecast freezes over

John Lennon chats with Mike Love (far right, in dark blue) as the Beatles sit for a photo with Maharishi and other course participants.

1968: The Year That Shattered America

The Ashram Where the Beatles Sought Enlightenment

Beach Boys singer Mike Love recalls what it was like to be at the Indian locale, which remains a destination for fans of music and meditation

Republic Square in Yerevan decorated for Christmas.

Armenia

It’s Still Christmas in Armenia

The holiday celebrations continue through January 13. Here’s what to cook to keep the festivities going.

Lahmacun served up to the author at Mer Taghe in Yerevan, Armenia.

Armenia

‘Armenian Pizza’ Is the Comfort Food You Didn’t Know You Were Missing (Recipe)

What lahmacun may lack in cheese pulls it makes up for with juicy, spicy ground lamb

A spirit medium pauses to light a cigarette.

Photos Celebrate the Lives of Gender Non-Conforming Spirit Mediums in Southeast Asia

The pioneering photographer’s latest book documents the welcoming community of transgender individuals who serve as spirit mediums in Burma and Thailand

Page 64 of 202