Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

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Penguin photo from Nature's Best Photography 2008. Photo by Andy Crosthwaite
Lasunder Cave

Caves: A Fragile Wilderness

Traveling Exhibit

Whether underground, underwater, or within ice, caves have attracted explorers since the days of early man. Adventurers and scientists have long entered these hidden chambers in search of their astonishing stone formations, unusual wildlife, and the thrill of exploring part of nature that few have seen. Lasunder Cave/Glowing Draperies Colorado © Norman Thompson

In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits

In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits

Traveling Exhibit

For well over 100 years, the name National Geographic has been synonymous with compelling photography. In Focus brings together a rare collection of expressive portraits and scenes from around the world and here at home.Cover of book In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits. Courtesy National Geographic

Illustration of sea creature swallowing ship

In Search of Giant Squid

Traveling Exhibit

How much do we know about giant squid? Have we ever seen a giant squid in its natural habitat, somewhere between 100 and 3,000 feet below the water’s surface? The Smithsonian’s Dr. Clyde Roper and other squid-hunting teuthologists learn more every year about this elusive creature and its deep sea environment. Fueling the mystery surrounding the giant squid, Pierre Denys de Montfort’s 1802 illustration shows a monstrous sea creature swallowing an entire ship.

The Nature of Ingredients, 2006

Transitions: Photographs by Robert Creamer

Traveling Exhibit

Surprise your eyes with the arresting detail of Robert Creamer’s high-resolution images, some of which highlight the Museum’s collections. All of the 39 photographs were taken using a flatbed scanner which creates an expanded depth of field. The result is stunning portraits of flowers and mesmerizing collages of flower parts. The Nature of Ingredients, 2006

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