Rising from the debris of urban construction sites, Xu Bing’s phoenixes are a testament to the effects of globalization. Learn the story of their creation in a new exhibition at the Sackler. Continue reading Nine deaths, two births
How do you develop some of the world’s richest deposits of oil and natural gas while also preserving some of the most pristine and biodiverse rainforest in the world? Alfonso Alonso is hoping to find a way. Continue reading Weighing the balance
Forensic evidence shows that early colonists resorted to survival cannibalism during the “starving time” of 1609-1610. Continue reading Startling proof of American cannibalism
Can parasites be the key to controlling the lionfish? Biologist Andrew Sellers counts flatworms and flukes so you don’t have to. Continue reading Invasive, voracious and venomous–is the lionfish becoming the king of the Atlantic?
Haunting, unflinching and mysterious, the winning portraits of the annual Outwin Boochever portrait competition use a variety of media to explore identity. Continue reading A little face time: The Outwin Boochever portrait competition
Not every non-native plant is an invasive bully, but the worst offenders create terrible damage. Horticulturalist James Gagliardi lists the top six to avoid. Continue reading Attack of the killer kudzu!
Secretary Clough explains the impact on the Smithsonian of the sequestration budget cuts. A hiring freeze is in place but there will be no furloughs at this time. UPDATE May 23, 2013. Continue reading Budget cuts mean some galleries may close temporarily
Dr. Melissa McCormick talks about her work with earthworms, explains why orchids are the “pandas of the plant world” and encourages young scientists to find what they love and stick with it. Continue reading The worm has turned…into more bane than boon for native orchids
A century from now, Smithsonian scientists will have a wealth of data on climate change from a forest that is being planted today. Continue reading If a tree falls in the forest, we’ll hear it 100 years from now
Charlie Young, musical director of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, shares some thoughts on what makes jazz the most innovative of American music. Continue reading April is Jazz Appreciation Month
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
