Art and Design

The Monkey King’s Cultural Breakthrough in the United States

Sarah Olivella November 28, 2025

For more than four centuries, the legendary Monkey King—Sun Wukong—has been a cornerstone of Asian literature, entertainment, and spiritual symbolism. Today, this rebellious kung fu–fighting hero is experiencing an unprecedented surge of visibility in the United States. His presence in a 2023 global animated film, a bestselling 2024 video game,

The Teen Behind the Louvre’s “Fedora Man” Mystery

SMGN Publishing November 9, 2025

A viral photo that sparked global intrigue A 15-year-old French student, Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux, unexpectedly became the focus of worldwide attention after appearing in a photograph taken on the day of the crown jewels heist at the Louvre. The image, showing a sharply dressed young man in a fedora walking

Misty Copeland Embarks on a New Chapter with a Renewed Sense of Self

SMGN Publishing November 5, 2025

The celebrated dancer reflects on transformation, legacy, and resilience Renowned ballerina Misty Copeland, who made history in classical dance, is embracing a period of personal and artistic renewal following her farewell from the American Ballet Theatre (ABT). After years away from the stage and becoming a mother, Copeland describes this

Picasso’s Hidden Portrait of Dora Maar Sells for $37 Million, Rekindling Global Interest in the Artist’s Emotional Legacy

SMGN Publishing October 25, 2025

A striking Picasso Dora Maar portrait sale has captivated the art world. A portrait by Pablo Picasso of his muse Dora Maar, kept out of public view for over eight decades, has sold for $37 million in Paris. This sale reignites global interest in the artist’s personal life and creative

Misty Copeland retires from American Ballet Theatre after a groundbreaking career

SMGN Publishing October 23, 2025

The first Black female principal dancer of the company concludes 25 years of achievements Misty Copeland took her final bow with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), ending a career that redefined representation and excellence in classical ballet. The farewell gala, held at Lincoln Center in New York City, celebrated both

New Louvre Heist Revives the Museum’s Long History of Thefts

SMGN Publishing October 21, 2025

A seven-minute operation exposes security vulnerabilities The Louvre Museum in Paris has been closed after a daring daylight robbery in which thieves stole priceless jewels. According to French authorities, two individuals used a lift mounted on a truck to enter the museum through a second-floor window leading to the Galerie

Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter take on Waiting for Godot on Broadway

SMGN Publishing September 17, 2025

From film to stage: a long-lasting partnership Over three decades after starring together in the cult comedy Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are reuniting for a new artistic challenge. The two actors are performing in a fresh adaptation of Waiting for Godot, the renowned play

Senators urge Smithsonian to uphold independence amid political pressure

SMGN Publishing September 5, 2025

Lawmakers stress congressional oversight of the institution Four Democratic senators addressed a letter to Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch, urging the organization to resist external influence that could compromise its mission and values. The letter, signed by Senators Alex Padilla (California), Catherine Cortez Masto (Nevada), Gary Peters (Michigan), and

Founders Museum sparks debate on history and artificial intelligence

SMGN Publishing September 3, 2025

A new exhibit in Washington for the semiquincentennial The Founders Museum, located inside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building near the White House, has been inaugurated as part of the events leading up to the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence. The initiative was developed by the White House Task Force

Stephen Nakagawa appointed as new dance programming director at the Kennedy Center

SMGN Publishing August 25, 2025

Leadership change in the dance department The Kennedy Center has appointed Stephen Nakagawa as its new director of dance programming, shortly after the dismissal of the department’s staff. Nakagawa, a choreographer and former dancer with The Washington Ballet, steps into the role during a significant transitional period for the institution.

Lynch Syndrome Vaccine Enters New Phase as Scientists Test Cancer Prevention Before Tumors Form

Felipe Cardona August 9, 2026

For people born with Lynch syndrome, cancer prevention has traditionally meant surveillance: frequent colonoscopies, genetic counseling and, in some cases, preventive surgery. Now researchers are testing a different idea. A Lynch syndrome vaccine could train the immune system to recognize abnormal cells before they develop into colorectal cancer. The approach is still

US Pledges $1 Billion Security Package as Colombia’s New President Takes Office

Felipe Cardona August 8, 2026

The United States is moving quickly to deepen its relationship with Colombia’s new government, pledging a $1 billion security package as President Abelardo de la Espriella takes office and signals a sharp break from the policies of his predecessor, Gustavo Petro. The announcement places security, organized crime and migration at

Abelardo de la Espriella Takes Office as Colombia’s President with Tougher Anti-Drug Agenda

Sarah Olivella August 8, 2026

BOGOTÁ, Colombia — Abelardo de la Espriella has taken office as Colombia’s new president, promising a tougher approach to security and the fight against drug trafficking organizations operating across the country. The new president, who has been described as an ally of the Donald Trump administration, has outlined an aggressive security strategy