Feb

Smithsonian Cool

As frigid temperatures linger around the country, what better time to ask, “What is cool?” Take a trip around the Institution with Secretary Clough as he searches for “Smithsonian Cool.”

Have you seen something cool at the Smithsonian? Send your picture to torch@si.edu along with your explanation of what it is and why it’s cool and we’ll feature it in the photo gallery!

Zodiac Lamp, Freer Gallery of Art

Cool in itself, this fixture is especially surprising at the entrance of a museum that is predominantly about Asian art. — Marilyn Epstein, Office of Communications and External Affairs

Museum Support Center Panorama

Members of the Smithsonian Mentor Program touring the collection at the Museum Support Center — Kristen Louk, Office of Advancement

Sant Ocean Hall, National Museum of Natural History

Arctic Ocean polar bear exhibit in the Sant Ocean Hall at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

This new addition to the Sant Ocean Hall at the Natural History Museum is indeed cool. Having traveled from the Naturalist Center at NMNH to the Naturalist Center at Leesburg, back to NMNH and now on exhibit, the polar bear with a seal meal on an ice flow epitomizes “cool” but also raises questions about the future of polar bear populations tied to the Arctic ice that is shrinking each year. Photo by James Di Loreto — Submitted by Jill Johnson, National Museum of Natural History

Snowball fight, National Mall

The museums may have been closed during the recent snowstorm, but that didn't keep folks from enjoying the Mall. Dozens gathered for an impromptu snowball fight in front of the Castle. John Yahner wore blaze orange to make sure he wouldn't be missed. --Submitted by John Yahner

Most of the museums may have been closed during the recent snowstorm, but that didn’t keep folks from enjoying the Mall. Dozens gathered for an impromptu snowball fight in front of the Castle. John Yahner wore blaze orange to make sure he wouldn’t be missed. –Submitted by John Yahner, Office of Communications and External Affairs

Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Party at the Postal Museum

On February 13, the day of the big blizzard, more than 400 guests attended SMITHSONIAN at 8’s latest event, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Party at the Postal Museum.” These intrepid souls ventured out into the snow for drinks and music by DJ Trayze in the beautiful historic lobby and atrium of the National Postal Museum; they also had the opportunity to make hand-made valentines, create their own stamp, and hear Story League performances inspired by Missed Connections. –Submitted by Lauren Rosenberg, The Smithsonian Associates

Smithsonian Castle

The epitome of cool: The Smithsonian Castle. — Submitted by Secretary Wayne Clough

What does the fox say?

At least one red fox has taken up residence in and around the Haupt and Ripley Gardens. This one was spotted going nonchalantly about her business on the National Mall. — Submitted by Laurie Penland, Scientific Diving Program

Not your typical Hawaiian vacation

Not the Hawaii most are accustomed to: The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Hilo, Hawaii. — Submitted by Steven Cohn, Office of Safety, Health and Environmental Management