What’s old is new again as musicians explore “Making American Music” at the National Museum of American History. Continue reading The toe-tapping power of old instruments and forgotten tunes
There are certain days that remain seared in one’s memory and mark a generation: September 11, 2001 is one of those days. Continue reading Remembrance and Reflection: September 11, 2001
Erin Blasco takes us behind the scenes as Smithsonian curators help the FBI solve a real-life crime mystery. Continue reading They’re not in Kansas any more: The Case of the Stolen Slippers
Nora Atkinson, who curated “No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man” at the Renwick Gallery, takes us on a trip to Nevada’s Black Rock Desert to see the beautifully designed and participatory art of Burning Man, revealing how she discovered there what’s often missing from museums: curiosity and engagement. Continue reading Why art thrives at Burning Man
Judged the most inspiring interpretation of the 2018 Biennale theme, Cooper Hewitt’s immersive installation “Face Values” was awarded the London Design Biennale 2018 Emotional States Medal. Continue reading Face it, we’re a little emotional about Cooper Hewitt’s prestigious prize
Find out why we celebrate the American worker by taking the day off. Continue reading The making of Labor Day
Arizona Senator John S. McCain III bid the nation farewell on August 25. For 60 years, McCain served the country either as a naval officer or as an elected official. The National Museum of American History asked curator Frank Blazich Jr. to reflect on the remarkable career of a man indelibly marked—like the country he served—by the Vietnam War. Continue reading Sailor, statesman, symbol: Reflecting on John McCain and the Vietnam War
Robinson, a noted scholar of Islamic history and culture, will become director Dec. 10. Continue reading Chase Robinson to assume leadership of the Freer and Sackler Galleries
When D.C. Water announced possible contamination of the city’s water supply last month, it was an irritating nuisance for residents, but for staff at the National Zoo, responsible for animals who consume thousands of gallons of water a day, the alert was a dangerous emergency. Continue reading How do you tell a thirsty elephant not to take a drink?
Human beings have been trying to build a better mousetrap since the first caveman caught the first field mouse stealing a scrap. A new display at the Smithsonian Castle highlights our restless spirit of invention. Continue reading The impulse to innovate is the focus of an inventive new display
Cities are ever-evolving organisms, but a community can lose its character when a long-established neighborhood suddenly becomes hip. Who has a right to the city? Continue reading Sidedoor: A right to the city
With the start of a new school year, Dr. Skorton takes a look at how the Smithsonian is reaching students in our own backyard. Continue reading Beyond the Three Rs: Creating Collaborative Cornerstones
Kent Wang introduces us to Vince Massimini, a combat veteran and volunteer docent at the National Air and Space Museum. Continue reading How high did the Wright Brothers fly?
This week, we pondered the future, remembered the past and wondered whether two wrongs ever make a right. Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was Sept. 9 – Sept. Sept. 15, 2018
September 21, 1978. "Facing the Light" opens at the National Portrait Gallery. The exhibition is about daguerreotypes, not near-death experiences. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: September 21, 1978
