Magic was in the air—along with the sounds of electrifying jazz played by master musicians—as David J. Skorton was installed as the 13th Secretary of the Smithsonian in a ceremony Monday, Oct. 19, at the historic Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall. Continue reading Dr. David Skorton is installed as 13th Secretary of the Smithsonian
A new exhibition offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the work of legendary Japanese Master Tawaraya Sōtatsu. Continue reading Japanese Master Tawaraya Sōtatsu has been making waves for centuries
Anyone who pays attention to politics knows that this Presidential campaign season has been unusually crowded and contentious. Jon Grinspan of the American History Museum reminds us that is it was ever thus Continue reading Poking fun at the crowded presidential race—in the 1880s
Form and function merge in the fabulous finery and wearable art on display at the annual Smithsonian Craft2Wear show. Don’t miss this opportunity to Indulge your senses with the exquisite designs from some of America’s finest craft artists. Continue reading Wear your art on your sleeve
Unless you spent August marooned on a desert island talking to a volleyball (in which case, welcome back–nice tan), you’re probably aware that we’ve experienced a bit of excitement—one might even say, pandamonium—at the National Zoo recently. Continue reading #PandaStory
Over the eons, dolphins and other marine mammals moved from the land to the sea. But at one point some dolphins turned back, heading inland and upriver to fresh water. A new fossil discovery of a previously unknown species sheds light on how and when river dolphins evolved. Continue reading Marine mammals evolved from walking on land to living in the sea. When did river dolphins turn back?
From patterns etched into the skin of an ancient mummy to the colorful designs that adorn people today, tattoos are not just skin deep; they tell us about individuals and their cultures—and offer insights into what it is to be human. Marilyn Epstein sat down with anthropologist Lars Krutak of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History to learn more about the history and the future of this intimate art. Continue reading Tattoos: Telling stories in the flesh
Ten years later, objects collected in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina help personify the imapct of that horrific natural disaster, Erin Blasco reflects on the experience of the late David Shayt, who traveled with photographer Hugh Talman to the Gulf Coast, and explains why he chose to preserve what he did. Continue reading Collecting history in the aftermath of Katrina
UPDATED WITH THE WINNER! The trash talk is heating up even in the shade being thrown by competitors as we move to Round Two of the Smithsonian Summer Showdown. Cast your vote for the most Seriously Amazing contender! Continue reading Summer Showdown throw down!
A rare photo proves to be the earliest ever taken of the Smithsonian Castle. It goes on display today, the 169th anniversary of our founding. Continue reading Deconstructing a Mystery
Vote now for the Autumn 2025 Windows Lock Screen. Voting ends Sunday, September 21st! Continue reading Vote now for the Autumn 2025 Windows Lock Screen
(Ed. note: We should note that it's never wise to stand behind a cow, even a buttery one. Cow pies never win blue ribbons.) Continue reading Behind the Butter Cow: A Look at the Renwick’s new State Fair exhibition
More than $2.5 million in grants has been awarded to fund projects ranging from exposing little kids to nature, the link between movement and emotional wellbeing and building a robotic telescope. Continue reading 2025 Together we Thrive
Melanie Adams will serve as interim director beginning August 26. Continue reading Director of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum is stepping down
