This Week In Race: Racism, Racism And, To Salve Your Soul, John Legend
Everywhere we looked in the news this week — in prisons, politics, online — we found strains of racism. It even shows up from beyond the grave.
Architecture
As Tourists Crowd Out Locals, Venice Faces 'Endangered' List
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.
When Cultural Heritage Is At Risk, Italy's Art Police Come To The Rescue
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.
Replicas Of Artifacts Destroyed By ISIS 'Rising From Destruction' In Rome
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.
Mission Of African-American Museum Writ Large In Its Very Design
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.
How An Architect Used Striking Design To Capture New Smithsonian's Meaning
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.
How New York City Rebuilt Anew After Its Darkest Day
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.
How Art Transformed A Remote Japanese Island
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.
Belle Of The Mall: Saving Smithsonian's Jewel-Like Arts And Industries Building
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.
When Your Dream House Is A Dollhouse, No Space Is Too Small
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.