June 2014
Smithsonian magazine delivers trusted and incisive reporting on history, science, nature, culture and travel.
Features
Out of Africa, Into the Bronx
With fufu and azonto, a tightknit community of Ghanaians spices up New York City’s invisible borough
The First Wearables
Long before Google Glass, humans donned high-tech devices that synchronized our every move
These Artistic Interpretations of the Star-Spangled Banner Call Out the Inner Patriot
In paintings, photos, music, videos and poetry, contemporary artists intrepret the flag that bravely waved above Fort McHenry
Star Struck
For years patriots clamored for pieces of the enormous flag that raised spirits at “dawn’s early light”
Voice from the Deep
While captive in a Navy program, a beluga whale named Noc began to mimic human speech. What was behind his attempt to talk to us?
Father Figure
Whistler’s mother is a superstar. But the painter’s dad has languished in obscurity—until now
Makeover for Mont-Saint-Michel
A renovation project harnesses the power of the sea to preserve one of the world’s most iconic islands
Departments
Full Flower
A scholar’s detective work uncovers a misidentified masterpiece at the Freer
Artist Will Cotton Reveals How He and Katy Perry Played an Elaborate Game of Candy Land
Artist Will Cotton's painting Cupcake Katy goes on view at the National Portrait Galley to welcome the pop star to D.C.