Stories

The Reel Return

When threatened in 2005, owner Sundhir Kasliwal closed the doors and waited fifteen years for the right moment. Four generations of jewelers have run the Gem since 1964, its gem-shaped ceiling honoring the family trade. Now Sundhir's sons welcome audiences back to the 1,245-seat palace, where the original 85-year-old projectionist returned to fire up the reels.

Architectural Wonders

An Octogonal Oasis

The octagon craze of 1848 promised healing through geometry, and this domed oddity survives as proof.

Quality Quirks

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A Night of 350,000 Mirrors

A queen wanted to sleep under the stars without leaving her chamber, so her husband built her a palace of 350,000 mirrors.

Let's Discover

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Tales of an Anxious Dreamer

From poor apprentice to national treasure, Hans Christian Andersen transformed his anxieties and struggles into some of the world’s most enduring fairy tales.

Down the Rabbit Hole

Colour in Wes Anderson Movies

What if the coloors of a Wes Anderson film weren't just felt, but mapped to the facade of a real building? One architecture student decided to find out...

Community Corner

From Fortress to the People’s Palace

Built to keep invaders out, the Louvre spent 600 years as a fortress and royal treasure chest before a revolution handed it to the people in a single decree.

History Lesson

Alien Parking Only

Denied, classified, and surrounded by motion sensors, Area 51 spent 70 years as the government's best-kept secret…

On the Road

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The Castle That Floats on a Forest

Thousands of oak piles hold up this floating fortress. Drop the water level, and it all sinks.

In the Wild

The Most Refined Dynasty

At its peak, the Domino Sugar Refinery employed 4,500 workers and supplied nearly all of America's sugar from a single Brooklyn waterfront factory…

History Lesson

Big Worm’s Second Life

Originally built as an authoritarian symbol, this reclaimed pedestrian park became an emblem of democracy.

Down the Rabbit Hole

The Library That Didn’t Stay Quiet

A 61-year-old student forced to study on the mezzanine took his case to the Supreme Court—and dismantled "separate but equal."

Groundbreakers

The World’s Highest Ski Resort Ran Out of Snow

The world's highest ski resort melted away six years ahead of schedule—now two brothers guard what's left.

Off the beaten path

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The Taj Mahal’s Only Boat

Did you know you can take a boat ride around the Taj Mahal? You just have to know where to look...

Adventurer Stories

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The Last Printers of Jaipur

In 1970, Jaipur's hand block printers were disappearing. A 16th-century haveli helped save them.

Groundbreakers

Why Do We Clink?

A toast to toasting!

Let's Discover

The Brewery That Refused to Melt

This castle-styled brewery was once on thin ice.

Skilled Artisans

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From Modest to Maharaja

Jaipur’s grandest palace might have the most unexpected origin story.

Not your typical b&b

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Sky High Showdown

In the Pink City, a peaceful heritage stay comes with a surprisingly competitive rooftop tradition.

Let's Discover

From Boo to Bravo

Where boos can break you, a broom can sweep you, and legends are born under Harlem’s brightest marquee.

Groundbreakers

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Overbuilt, Underattacked

Built to stare down cannons and Florence alike, Lucca’s overachieving walls turned a small Tuscan city into one very well-dressed fortress.

History Lesson

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Riding the Rainbow

From pinks and greens to every shade in between, Singapore’s MRT proves that even the daily commute can be a visual treat!

Let's Discover

The Sweet History of Sweethearts

Equal parts confection and confession, Sweethearts are the original mini love letters with a surprisingly chewy backstory!

History Lesson

A Perfectly Pink Beau-Tea

Shanklin, England’s oldest building now houses a perfectly pink teashop, but the tea behind its history is perhaps a little less than sweet…

History Lesson

Say Hey-Yo to SkiMo!

SkiMo makes its Olympic debut with heroic climbs, daring descents, and one legendary woman.

In the Wild

Lights, Dials, and Runaway Pigs

This charming collection of dials and measuring mechanisms once controlled the most powerful places in London.

Down the Rabbit Hole

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A Church’s In-spire-ing Architecture

In Copenhagen’s Christianshavn neighborhood sits -- or perhaps stands proudly -- the Church of our Saviour.

History Lesson

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High Notes on High Poles

This Singaporean club has graced the city-state with its songs since the 1980s. As they have for decades, a symphony of sounds rings from these small singers, inspiring awe and wonder for spectators. Did we mention the vocalists are avian?

Off the beaten path

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A Century of Colorful Confection

At this brightly colored corner kopitiam, hot joe is served along with delicious pastries and breads. The most “beautiful treasure” you’ll find at this confectionery, however, is a unique kind of toast.

Skilled Artisans