The Smithsonian continued to baffle its partisans in Great Britain today, after announcing that is has once again downgraded its upcoming gallery exhibition from a permanent instalment to a so-called ‘two year installation.’ The temporary exhibit will be on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum’s nascent satellite space, which is still under construction in Queen Elizabeth Park. The Smithsonian Board of Regents did not give any specific reason for the downgrade, outside of saying it had been agreed upon by a ‘majority of the board members for a variety of reasons.’ In a separate statement, the Smithsonian’s General Secretary, Lonnie G. Bunch III, said that the venerable American institution was undergoing a long-needed review of all of the Smithsonian’s programs and installations, both at home and overseas.   The original…

The city council of Rome is backing a controversial plan to put up a mesh and concrete barrier around the ancient and honored Trevi Fountain. The council's claims that this has become necessary to protect the rococo landmark from the mobs of tourists that routinely flock to the fountain to throw in coins and make wishes. It’s also the favorite spot in all of Rome for tourists to take selfies. Rome mayor Virginia Raggi claims that without such a barrier the famous renaissance pump will become irreparably damaged from tourists sitting on it and throwing trash into the water. Right now, says the mayor, city workmen have to drain the fountain and remove things like bottles and plastic bags from the suction pumps at the bottom of the fountain pool…