Design
December 28, 2016

509-Year-Old Map Is the Only Known Copy of First Time “America” Appears

We all know Amerigo Vespucci, the Italian explorer after which the United States was named. But have you ever seen the first map to label parts of the world as America? Created in 1507, the so-called Waldseemüller map holds this distinction. Also known as Universalis Cosmographia, it's composed of 12 separate woodcut prints that were meant to be hung together.

Read Article

Science
December 26, 2016

Otherworldly Images of Andromeda Galaxy Over a Tiny Swiss Village

Photographer Sandro Casutt lives in a remote Swiss village with unbelievable views of the Andromeda Galaxy. The village of Vals, population 990, is a prime location for viewing the closest major galaxy to the Milky Way. Thus, Casutt, together with his brother Markus, started Cosmic Art Photography two years ago as an outlet for their love of the universe. Owner of a tattoo parlor by day, Casutt spends his evenings hunting for the perfect sky.

Read Article

Entertainment
December 26, 2016

Celebrities Reveal Their Public and Private Personas in Intimate Double-Portraits

Celebrities often have very different public and private personas, and we rarely get an intimate look into who they really are. We try, certainly—just look at paparazzi and tabloids—but photographer Andrew H. Walker had another idea. While at the Toronto Film Festival, he asked 51 A-listers to share two sides of themselves in front of the camera. One demonstrates how they are in public while the other peers inward towards a side they might not show.

Read Article

Design
December 23, 2016

Festive NYC Restaurant Decks Their Halls with $60,000 Worth of Christmas Decor

As Christmas approaches, many business are in the holiday spirit—and then there’s Rolf’s German Restaurant in New York City. “Festive” doesn’t do this locale justice, as the amount of decor they have is awe-inspiring. This eatery decks their halls with 15,000 Christmas ornaments, 10,000 lights, 800 dolls, and thousands of icicles. The bar, tables, and customers are surrounded by shiny baubles and rolling greenery, as well as Victorian-style decorations.

Read Article

My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.