The definition of cool
What defines cool?
A new exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution tries to answer this question with a collection of portraits of the "coolest" writers, musicians, actors and personalities in U.S. history.
According to the museum, the word "carries a social charge of rebellious self-expression, charisma, edge and mystery."
"American Cool" will be on display at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery from Feb. 7 to Sept. 7, 2014.
In this photo, James Dean, 1954
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Audrey Hepburn
Frederick Douglass
Joan Didion
Benicio del Toro
Bessie Smith
Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday, 1951
David Byrne
Debbie Harry
Elvis Presley
Jimi Hendrix
Humphrey Bogart
Frank Sinatra
Lauren Bacall
Madonna
Marlon Brando
Miles Davis
Muddy Waters
Steve McQueen
Tony Hawk
Walt Whitman
