Stories

Highlighting the magic behind people, places, science, and art.

Inside the Mathemagical Event Gathering 4 Gardner

Inside the Mathemagical Event Gathering 4 Gardner

Gathering 4 Gardner invites people from all levels of education and life experience to explore the interdisciplinary fields of mathematics, art, magic, and puzzles.

Armchair Treasure Hunts

Armchair Treasure Hunts

In this exclusive book excerpt from The Puzzler, New York Times-bestselling author A.J. Jacobs details one of the longest ongoing treasure hunts in the world.

One of the Biggest Miniature Museums is in Las Vegas

One of the Biggest Miniature Museums is in Las Vegas

Filmmaker Jessica Oreck has spent her life hunting for the strangest miniature objects—from tiny dice to pinky-tall camels.

MIT Mystery Hunt: One of the Greatest Puzzle Competitions on Earth

MIT Mystery Hunt: One of the Greatest Puzzle Competitions on Earth

Every January, the MIT Mystery Hunt pits some of the world’s best puzzle-solvers and game-lovers across the globe.

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Show & Tell with Atlas Obscura

Show & Tell with Atlas Obscura

In this episode of Atlas Obscura's Show & Tell, host Dylan Thuras speaks with Art of Play's co-founder, Dan Buck, about a wonder emporium of cards, illusions, magic tricks, and puzzles in San D...

A Puzzling Adventure Through Europe

A Puzzling Adventure Through Europe

Recently, we returned from a week-long excursion through Europe. Our first stop was Nuremberg, Germany, where we attended the world's largest toy fair, Spielwarenmesse.

We're Matching up to $10,000 for California Wildfire Relief

We're Matching up to $10,000 for California Wildfire Relief

Join us this Season of Giving to really make a difference in someone’s life, and help us raise $20,000 for the California Community Foundation's Wildfire Relief Fund.

Classic Board Games

5 Classic Board Games You Must Have at Home

Playing board games is one of the best ways to spend time with people you love. Not only do games give you the opportunity to create memories with friends and family, they also help you develop str...

Exploratorium

Curious Contraptions

Epiphanies await the curious mind this winter at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, CA.  Explore small, surreal worlds at Curious Contraptions, a temporary exhibition of the charming, often hilari...

How Playing Cards Can Connect People From Around the World

How Playing Cards Can Connect People From Around the World

Over the years Kuma Films has made a name for themselves as a source for the abstract and often obscure or lessor-known arts. Their team travels the globe in search of the world’s most interesting ...