Topic: National Gallery of Art

Diplomacy flowers with cherry blossoms

At the close of the 100th anniversary celebration of Tokyo's gift of cherry blossoms to Washington, it's worth remembering the story of diplomacy behind the trees. Like most diplomatic initiatives, this one had to overcome indifference, opposition, and many setbacks before it could flower.

Kate Middleton delivers first speech, but media focus on blue dress (+video)

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, gave her first public speech at the Treehouse charity. But her sartorial selection was as big a story in Britain as her delivery. 

'Degas and the Nude' reveals a master of the human form

In its only US venue, the exhibition takes a wide-ranging look at the artist's complex and contradictory work, which defies easy interpretation.

Americans dig deep to give more to charities

Though still far below 2007 levels, charitable giving in the US rose 2.1 percent in 2010.

A government shutdown would rain on our parade

It's cherry blossom season in Washington and tourists are pouring into the city, including a relative visiting this weekend. But if the government shuts down, so will the cherry blossom parade, the museums, the zoo. Not just tourists, but people all over the country will be affected.

India makes space for art among its 1.4 billion people

India is making room – both physically and mentally – for art like that from Anish Kapoor, which is large and untraditional.

Looking for John

On her first trip to a Zimbabwe in turmoil, this taxi driver had made her feel safe.

Leonardo da Vinci painting restoration reveals the master's own hand

Leonardo da Vinci began painting 'Virgin of the Rocks' in the 15th century. A restoration of the painting has turned up some interesting finds.

Alfred Hitchcock's old home plays host to J.M.W. Turner admirers

Admirers of British painter J.M.W. Turner meet in Alfred Hitchcock's old home. They're pushing for a better appreciation of the painter's work. 

The Swan Thieves

An artist’s attack on a painting in the National Gallery is linked to the story of a 19th-century Impressionist painter.

Robert Frank: His photographs recorded an unvarnished America

Robert Frank's candid images exposed the underside of midcentury America and were initially reviled.

Films to make you think

These documentaries may change your dinner menu and your travel itinerary.

Is the American dream dead?

If Washington insiders looked down on my family in our Wal-Mart clothes, how could they ever relate to the lives of most Americans?

Britain: In Trafalgar Square, the statues are alive – literally

OpenCourseWare: College education, without the student loans

Free, online lectures and course materials offer Ivy-League classes to everyone.

Impressionists on the road

Fine art collection of two prescient Welsh sisters set to dazzle small cities in US.

Our family's souvenir bookshops

Bookstores offer a welcome respite from busy vacation schedules.

'My family collects bookstores'

An Indonesian artist uses her canvas to unite a nation

Grace Siregar taps local artists to create public sculptures and other artworks that emphasize themes of peace and reconciliation.

A step into the world of Escher

On a trip to see an exhibit about the artist, she discovered something more.

Etc.