objects of intrigue
Visit a Beard That Killed Its Owner
Over 450 years later, Hans Steininger's deadly facial hair is still on display.
Articles by Eric Grundhauser
904
Stories
Stories shared by this traveler.
music
Keeping the Ethereal Sounds of the Glass Armonica Alive
Ben Franklin's invention is still singing otherworldly songs to the few who know how to play it.
animals
The Incredible Story of the World's First Papier-Mâché Gorilla
Dr. Louis Auzoux's greatest creation was made of bone and scrap paper.
bioluminescence
Wishlist: A Bioluminescent Nightlight
BioPop's Dino Sphere is powered by living algae.
television
How Mr. Potato Head Changed the Advertising Business
A story of goofy vegetables and the power of television.
objects of intrigue
The Fashion and Mystery of Ancient Roman Puzzle Locks
Put something complicated, useful, and stylish on your finger.
tunnel
Wanted: A Better Way to Map Underground Spaces
DARPA's Subterranean Challenge aims to spur innovation beneath our feet.
giant squid
Wishlist: An Essential History of Giant Squid
"The Search for the Giant Squid" is a detailed account of the ocean's most frightening mystery.
cultures
How One Scottish Town Revived a Local Tradition After 80 Years
The "Stromness Yule Log Pull" is officially back.
science
A Rooster, a Duck, and a Sheep Walk Into a Hot Air Balloon...
...and make aviation history, of course!
science
The Latest New Species Discoveries From the Greater Mekong
Three mammals, two fish, 11 reptiles, 11 amphibians, and 88 plants, all from the same region.
science
Watch a Baby Sea Turtle Waddle Up a Treadmill For Science
Research has rarely been so adorable.
geology
Wishlist: Visualizing David Bowie, a Magic Rock for the Media Age, and More
Weekly gift ideas from the staff of Atlas Obscura.
atlas obscura
Travel Advice From 2017's Most Prolific Atlas Obscura Community Member
Dr. Alan Newman added more places to the Atlas this year than anyone else.
holidays
Each Christmas, the Welsh Try to Outsmart a Horse Skull Puppet
Then they drink.
national parks
Wishlist: Passport to Your National Parks
The perfect way to nerd out over nature.
objects of intrigue
An Outlaw's Skin Was Made Into Shoes
Should they be on display?
music
Wishlist: The Instrument of the Retro-Future, Today
Make beautiful sci-fi music and lots of other weird noises with your very own theremin.
music
5 Secrets for Mastering the Theremin, From the Legendary Clara Rockmore
One of the world's first electronic music virtuosos left behind handy rules for playing the mysterious instrument.
mystery
Wishlist: Mysterious Packages, A Moon for Your Room, and Shots With Hamilton
Check out the coolest stuff our staff recommends this week!
holidays
The Week In... Holiday Feats!
A nativity break-out, heirloom string lights, giant Christmas trees, and more.
world record
Dancing Robots, Da Vinci, and a Dunking Bunny Highlight the Year in World Records
Feed your feat fetish.
museums
Wishlist: A Tiny Museum for Your Mantle
Little space gems, flecks of viking axes, and bits of a space station can all be yours.
television
Why Is Anime Obsessed With Power Lines?
Exploring the reasons behind the genre's lavishly detailed electrical infrastructure.
