Smithsonian Magazine

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

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Smithsonian Magazine

Breaking Ground • WITH A LONG-OVERDUE UPGRADE, THE SMITHSONIAN’S MOST SYMBOLIC BUILDING PREPARES FOR A MORE EGALITARIAN FUTURE

the scroll • A GLIMPSE AT OUR DIGITAL OFFERINGS

Barging Ahead • The engineering wonder that opened up the heartland

Boom Time • HOW THE ERIE CANAL TRANSFORMED QUIET RURAL VILLAGES INTO THRIVING COMMERCIAL CITIES

ALONG FOR THE RIDE • A new exhibition of Evelyn Hofer’s timeless portraits from half a century ago

The Vienna Agent • The American heiress who risked her life to help people escape the Nazis—and pioneered the refugee assistance movement

Another Form of Aid • GARDINER ALSO SUPPORTED MANY ARTISTS—INCLUDING THE CELEBRATED PAINTER ALICE NEEL

MONKEYING AROUND • The surprisingly scientific roots of a U.S. playground favorite

A Life of Discovery • A recent Nobel laureate pays tribute to the vision and perseverance of Barbara McClintock, a pioneering geneticist

Untangling the Alphabet • A CURIOUS NEW FIND YIELDS CLUES TO THE MYSTERY OF THE FIRST WRITING

MAKE WAY FOR PUFFLINGS • A town in Iceland rallies to rescue beloved baby seabirds that have lost their bearings

MESSAGE RECEIVED • GLORY GOES TO THE AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN WHO ACHIEVED A VITAL MISSION IN WORLD WAR II: GETTING MAIL TO THE TROOPS

RE-GREENING THE DESERT • After a historic victory in the West’s notorious water wars, Native Americans in Arizona turn to an ancient technology to revive their farms and their culture

The Swimming Iguana • Looking after a quirky icon of evolution in the Galápagos Islands that faces a rocky future

Life Among the Ruins • From the ashes of a terrible industrial accident, a wonderful garden is flourishing again

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

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