Smithsonian Magazine takes you on a journey through history, science, world culture and technology with breathtaking images from around the world.

Smithsonian Magazine

discussion

A Legacy of Honor • THIS VETERANS DAY, A NEW MEMORIAL ON THE NATIONAL MALL REMINDS US OF THE TRUE BURDEN OF FREEDOM

Prime Time • Thanksgiving’s most unexpected legacy is heating up again

Vintage Takeout • GRAB-AND-GO MEALS MIGHT BE ALL THE RAGE, BUT THE ANCIENTS ALSO CRAVED CONVENIENCE

NOT SO GONZO • Early work from the famed caricaturist Ralph Steadman reveals an abstract streak

You’re So Vain • Today’s obsession with selfies had a surprising mirror image centuries ago

Glass Acts • PAINTERS HAVE LONG USED MIRRORS TO REFLECT THEIR SUBJECTS’ INNER LIVES. GAZE AT THESE STARTLING EXAMPLES

ALL-PURPOSE PAISLEY • How an Indian export became part of the fabric of American life

Caped Crusaders • In 1880, zealous children and young adults helped decide the closest popular vote in U.S. history

Don’t Be Puzzled • YOU CAN FIND EIGHT CLUES IN THESE PAGES

Welcome to the WHITE HOUSE • A FORMER FIRST LADY SALUTES THE LONG-SERVING STAFF WHO KEEP THE NATION’S FOREMOST RESIDENCE RUNNING SMOOTHLY

THE DEADLY SHORTAGE OF VENOM ANTIDOTE • But a little-known laboratory is rising to the challenge of saving thousands of snakebite victims every year

Scotland Yards • A NOT ENTIRELY WHIMSICAL TRIP AROUND EDINBURGH TO GRAPPLE WITH A DEFINING FEATURE OF THE BRITISH LANDSCAPE

THE REDEMPTION OF ROSA BONHEUR • She was an international superstar. And then she was ignored. Now one family is working fervently to restore the forgotten artist to greatness

ask smithsonian • YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS. WE’VE GOT EXPERTS