Say Goodbye to This Massive ‘Hobbit’-Themed Sculpture of Gandalf Riding an Eagle
For more than a decade, the eye-catching artwork had hung from the ceiling of Wellington International Airport in New Zealand, where “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” were filmed
Discover the Dreamy Beauty of Jamaica’s Beaches, Mountains and Plant Life in These Captivating Pictures
A photographer’s trip to the island yields images that showcase its stunning terrain and vibrant culture
Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries
These Extraordinary Archaeological Sites Are a Portal to Ancient Egypt
The Valley of the Kings and other bucket-list Egyptian destinations offer a glimpse into millennia-old majesty and artistry
See the Newly Renovated Castle Howard, Made Famous by ‘Bridgerton’ and ‘Brideshead Revisited’
After the house suffered extensive fire damage in 1940, generations of the Howard family have faithfully restored parts of the mansion to its 18th-century glory
Chattanooga Just Became North America’s First National Park City. Here’s What That Means
The designation was awarded by a London-based charity that aims to make cities more like national parks: “greener, healthier and wilder”
Now Open in Kansas City, The World’s First Barbecue Museum Is a Feast for the Senses
Jump in the bean-themed ball pit, solve a pork puzzle and pose with a championship mustard belt at the new Museum of BBQ
You Can Enter to Win a Night Inside London’s National Gallery
The museum is celebrating the reopening of its Sainsbury Wing, as well as a major refresh of its collection, with an overnight experience for one lucky visitor
Record-High 736,000 Sandhill Cranes Flock to Nebraska During Spring Migration Peak—With No Signs of Bird Flu, Despite Concerns
After more than 1,500 of the lanky birds died in Indiana, wildlife biologists in Nebraska were on high alert for the virus—but so far, the visiting birds seem happy and healthy
These Were the Most—and Least—Visited National Parks in 2024
America’s national park sites saw a record number of visitors last year. Great Smoky Mountains, Zion and Grand Canyon national parks are perennial favorites among travelers
See the World’s Smallest Park, a Teeny-Tiny Enclave in Japan That’s About the Size of Four Sheets of Paper
The record-breaking park features some grass, a seat and a decorative stepping stone. It’s even smaller than Mill Ends Park in Portland, Oregon, which had held the title since 1971
Plans Are Taking Shape for an Extravagant New Tourist Attraction Inside London’s World War II-Era Tunnels
The 86,000-square-foot labyrinth was built in the 1940s during the London Blitz. Now, workers are transforming it into a museum, memorial, art gallery and bar
This Man Just Set a New World Record for Scuba Diving in All Seven Continents
Barrington Scott began his 27,000-mile quest in Australia and completed it in Antarctica. The journey took him 19 days, 19 hours and 40 minutes
Thrill Seekers Say Goodbye to the World’s Tallest Roller Coaster
After towering over Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey for two decades, Kingda Ka is slated for demolition—and fans are sharing their favorite memories of the iconic ride
Driver Vandalizes Threatened Plants in Death Valley National Park
National Park Service officials haven’t identified the person or people who illegally drove more than two miles across Eureka Dunes, home to the federally protected Eureka dunegrass
The Price to Climb Mount Everest Will Rise to $15,000 This Year
Foreign climbers who want to try reaching the top of the 29,032-foot-tall peak will face higher permit fees in Nepal starting in September
The ‘Mona Lisa’ Is Moving to a Room of Her Own at the Louvre
As part of a massive renovation, the Leonardo da Vinci portrait will get its own gallery space accessible from a separate entrance
Secret Passageways Recorded in Leonardo da Vinci’s Sketches Discovered Beneath a Medieval Castle in Milan
Using ground-penetrating radar and laser scanners, researchers identified subterranean structures just a few feet below the ground. The pathways may connect Sforza Castle to a nearby basilica
See How Basquiat’s Travels to the Swiss Alps Influenced His Artistic Development
A new exhibition in Switzerland examines the New York City artist’s lesser-known fascination with pine trees and snowy mountain peaks
Marlon Brando Wanted to Build a ‘University of the Sea.’ These Scientists Are Bringing the Late Actor’s Vision to Life
On Tetiaroa, a vibrant coral atoll dotted with sandy islets, archaeologists, marine biologists and cultural practitioners are working together to improve understanding of a unique ecosystem
Rare and Giant Steller’s Sea Eagle Spotted Thousands of Miles From Home in Eastern Canada Park
The bird, thought to be the only one of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, is presumed to be Stella, an out-of-place raptor spotted at sites across North America in recent years
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