Two years ago, UNESCO gave Venice and Italy a deadline to figure out a way to manage the harmful effects of tourism or risk being placed on a World Heritage in Danger list. The deadline has passed.
Over the decades, they've tracked down looted paintings and manuscripts, and rescued artwork after natural disasters. These days, they're salvaging centuries-old works in Italy's Amatrice quake zone.
An exhibit at the Colosseum features life-size reconstructions of ancient works that ISIS damaged or destroyed in Iraq and Syria. "It is a universal heritage," says curator Francesco Rutelli.
The "dark presence" of the bronze and brooding National Museum of African American History and Culture illuminates black history, and by extension, the history of America itself.
As the Smithsonian prepares to open its National Museum of African American History and Culture in a couple weeks, NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with the museum's architect, David Adjaye.
When disaster struck in 2001, New York City hadn't had a comprehensive city planning vision in decades. An exceptional flurry of urban strategizing — beyond ground zero — ensued.
The population of Naoshima has fallen to 3,000. But this year, its art will attract 800,000 tourists from around the world. "The level of our sophistication has gone up considerably," says a resident.
With its spires, rotunda and colorful facade, the Arts and Industries Building is a festive relief compared with its neighbors. But restoring the Smithsonian's first museum hasn't been easy.
Two dozen American artists were asked to create their vision of a "dream room," in miniature form. They stuffed a lot into these small boxes: hopes, fears and some really tiny unicorns.