Travel
December 3, 2018

7 Medieval European Sites You Can Actually Visit Today

The Middle Ages makes up a major portion of European art history. Starting with the fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century and ending with the onset of the Renaissance, this period took place over the course of 1,000 years. During this time, architects, artists, and other creative figures shaped the cities and communes we know and love today.

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Architecture
December 2, 2018

How Frank Lloyd Wright’s ‘Fallingwater’ Home Changed Architecture Forever

Today, Frank Lloyd Wright is regarded as one of American architecture's most influential figures. During his decades-long career as an architect and interior designer, Wright perfected a prolific number of designs, with his iconic Fallingwater at the forefront. Wright described this 1930s home as “one of the great blessings to be experienced here on earth.” Inspired by the architect's desire to integrate human-made structures into the natural world, Fallingwater typifies organic architecture.

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History
November 30, 2018

These Four Manuscripts Contain Almost All Surviving Old English Poetry

These days, the words “Old English” most likely conjures up images of a font used to evoke a historical feel. However, the Old English language itself—though quite different—is actually the foundation of modern English. Interestingly, for such an important language, written materials are scarce. Only four original literary manuscripts written entirely in Old English have survived, each giving us a small glimpse into a culture that has long since disappeared.

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Architecture
November 29, 2018

Architects Design Stunning Theater Inspired by 19th-Century Chinese Puzzle Balls

In a nod to Chinese craftsmanship, London-based Steven Chilton Architects (SCA) has designed a stunning theater based on traditional ivory puzzle balls. Located in Guangzhou, the proposed Puzzle Ball Theater pays homage to these intricate puzzles by using circular openings and geometric cutouts across the spherical facade. Ivory puzzle balls are formed from concentric balls, often up to 10 or 12, with open carving.

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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.