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From Jananne Al-Ani’s new work, a mesmerizing view of south Jordan. Production still from Shadow Sites II, 2011

At the Sackler, Shadows of History Hidden in Middle Eastern Landscapes

New work from Jananne Al-Ani exposes a complicated history within the Middle Eastern landscape

The birdcage dress is always a favorite with partygoers. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, try on a flower mask. (No birds were harmed in the making of this illustration.)

Going Out This Weekend? Try Some Dress-Up Ideas from the Collection

Birdcages, floppy hats and shamrock hats–that’s right, it’s party night at the Smithsonian Libraries

View of the “kurgan” burial mounds at Berel in East Kazakhstan

Burial Mounds Preserve Culture of Ancient Nomads in Kazakhstan

A new exhibit at the Smithsonian Sackler Gallery brings nomadic Kazakh culture to Washington, D.C., for the first time, shedding light on ancient trade

Artist Jananne al-Ani discusses her work at the Sackler Gallery this Saturday at 2pm.

Events August 24-26: Bones, Steel Pans, and Photographic Ingenuity

This weekend, bone up on your skeletal knowledge, survey new artwork from the Middle East and celebrate the steel pan

A row of brand new Cadillacs awaits drivers. 1917

Cadillacs, 110 Years and Going…Biking?

A staple in the collections, Cadillac marks its 110-year anniversary today as the company looks to branch out and go biking

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Part 3: Who Are the Nominees for the Contemporary Artist Award?

The final part in our series introduces you to the work of five more artists, from giant roses to combat video games to surrealist assemblages

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This Just Out: May Yohe, Queen of the Naughty Nineties Biography

A new biography explores the story of the famous diva who once owned the Hope Diamond

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Hirshhorn Museum Temporarily Closed Today, August 20

The Hirshhorn Museum was evacuated and closed to the public today. According to museum officials, a security officer died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Law enforcement is on the scene and is investigating the incident.  

The Freer Gallery closes its 17th annual “Made in Hong Kong” film festival with Chor Yuen’s Killer Clans Friday night at 7:00.

Events August 17-19: Killer Clans, Stargazing, and Video Games

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Largest 3-D Map of the Sky Released

Researchers have released the largest 3-D map of the sky with plans for further research into dark energy, quasars and the evolution of large galaxies

Julia Child’s Kitchen on display at the NMAH is exactly as it was in Child’s home in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1961.

Happy 100th Birthday, Julia Child!

Child’s kitchen is back at the American History Museum in time for what would have been her 100th birthday

The magazine every kid awaited eagerly, Bradley’s Game and Toy Catalogue. 1889-1900.

Helpful Tips for Playing Games in a Corset: A Trip Through the Deep-Rooted Anxiety of Playtime

As this gaming literature from the 19th century shows, games were nothing to play around with

Julia Child’s Kitchen will open again for her 100th birthday celebration at the Smithsonian.

Events August 14-17: Green Jobs, Julia Child’s 100th Birthday and Live Jazz

This week at the Smithsonian, learn about emerging green jobs, celebrate Julia Child’s birthday and unwind with a tribute to Thelonious Monk

What do you get for an institution that has everything? A three-cent stamp! 1946

Happy 166th Birthday to Us!

The Smithsonian Institution celebrates 166 years since it was signed into existence by President James K. Polk

This Friday night, head over to the Freer Gallery’s Meyer Auditorium for a screening of the film, “An Autumn’s Tale” (Dir.: Mabel Cheung,1987).

Events August 10-12: Date Night, Super Science Saturday, The Story of the Earth

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The American Art Museum Announces Nominees for Contemporary Artist Award

We help you sort out who’s who from the museum’s recent announcement, in a series of three posts

Hand-painted glass lantern slides like this one of The Grey Gardens in East Hampton provided enchanting visuals for traveling lectures.

Frances Benjamin Johnston’s Garden Legacy: New Finds from the Archives

Research has helped identify glass lantern slides within the collection from the famed photographer’s garden images

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Newly Acquired Whale Skull a “Missing Link”

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

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

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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