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Travel

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

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

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

David Fairchild demonstrates a new crop spraying technique in 1889.

America’s First “Food Spy” Traveled the World Hunting for Exotic Crops

A new book details the life of adventurer-botanist David Fairchild

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

Turda Salt Mine

These Five Abandoned Mines Have Been Transformed into Subterranean Wonderlands

Zip line through darkness or relax in a serene saline pool deep underground

Grizzly bears are a common sight in the park.

Photos Offer a Glimpse Into the Wild Corners of America’s Northernmost National Park

In his upcoming book, author Joe Wilkins gives an insider’s perspective of Gates of the Arctic

The World’s Steepest Zip Line Offers Breathtaking Views Over St. Martin

Ryan McGinley, Dakota Hair, 2004.

Don’t Miss These 10 New Art and Design Exhibits Opening This Winter

Explore everything from artistic chairs to underground magazines this season

Aaron Elster's hologram answers questions from the audience.

An Exhibit in Illinois Allows Visitors to Talk with Holograms of 13 Holocaust Survivors

The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie, Illinois, opened the new Survivor Stories Experience this fall

Gertsacov looking at one of his fleas.

Revive the Charm of an 1800s Show with These Modern-Day Flea Circuses

Take a trip to the (very small) Big Top

Johnny Depp stars in Twentieth Century Fox’s “Murder on the Orient Express.”

A Trip Inspired by ‘Murder on the Orient Express’

On the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the murder mystery is not included

A phoenix rising from the ashes in a 13th-century bestiary

Family Travel

Rare Magical Manuscripts Go on Display at the British Library

The exhibition, which will also travel to New York, explores the history of magic to mark the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter

Heddal Stave Church

Norway’s Medieval Wooden Churches Look Plucked From a Fairy Tale

These historic churches feature elaborate carvings that mix Christian and Viking symbols

One of the new trees in the Future Library forest.

After 100 Years, This Entire Forest Will Be Turned into Mystery Manuscripts

Hike through Norway’s future library, currently in the form of baby trees

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Armenia

Spot the Ultra-Rare Caucasian Leopard in Armenia’s Caucasus Wildlife Refuge

Impressive local fauna is thriving again in Southern Armenia’s new Caucasus Wildlife Refuge

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