Though far younger than their European contemporaries, the great American art galleries of the Northeast have amassed collections of art that rival anything to be found in the Old World. The American tradition of philanthropic bequests, an insatiable curiosity with the art of the European masters, prescient predictions about the careers of once unknown artists, ...

In a way that seems completely anathema to Australians, Americans love nothing more than celebrating their political leaders and commemorating their storied lives, on everything from throw pillows to carvings upon mountainsides. The focal point of this adoration has always been the Presidency. It’s a tradition that began with George Washington, a man whose personality ...

We all know about the Empire State Building and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but what about the Fraunces Tavern or Sagamore Hill? Academy Travel tour leader Dr Matthew Laing used his comprehensive knowledge of New York’s history, his love of modern art and design and his fondness for a racy Broadway play to come ...

We asked one of our expert tour leaders Dr Matthew Laing about the performing arts scene in New York…   Q: How is the performing arts scene linked to the city’s history? Matthew: New Amsterdam, as a far-flung fur trading outpost of the Dutch Empire in the 17th century, was quickly famous as a city of bawdy ...