There is universal delight in being deceived by magic, with magicians upending our assumptions about the way the world works. Our expert, magician Bertie Pearce, guides us through this world of smoke and mirrors

The term ‘icon’ comes from the Greek ‘eikon’, meaning ‘image’. These objects of veneration come with a rich history, with the earliest surviving examples dating to the 6th or 7th century. Our expert, Helen McIldowie-Jenkins, unpicks the tale of the origins and making of this particularly singular art form

Who knew there were dinosaurs in Crystal Palace? You’ll find them in the world’s first dinosaur park, which opened in 1854. Today its Grade I listed models provide a snapshot of our understanding of dinosaurs at the dawn of palaeontology. Our expert, Dr Aaron W Hunter, takes us on a tour

Unlocking the hidden meanings of cultural symbols sheds new light on ideas that have driven history. Our expert, Matthew Wilson, explores the tales behind five great examples

The British coastline was once dotted with 100 piers; today a little over half survive. But those survivors still rule the waves, says our expert, Jackie Marsh-Hobbs, and are a powerful reminder of the ingenuity of the figures who built them