Inside, ancient treasures. Outside, modern contradictions.

Two insane asylum bodies embalmed by an amateur.

The design of this historic domed church was influenced by Thomas Jefferson and intended as a statement of religious freedom.

This derelict building used to house infirm Freemasons, their widows, and orphans.

The world’s largest Masonic temple was saved by the White Stripes.

Twenty-year effort to raise a castle using tools and techniques from the 13th century is now abandoned in the Arkansas woods.

This small and serene place for quiet reflection on Staten Island was built in China based on the gardens of the Ming Dynasty.

The headquarters of the famous Yale society.

Bringing back the art of handmade custom coffins.

A medieval castle in the middle of rural Texas.

This architectural stunner is one of the few surviving Egyptian Revival theaters in the U.S.

Brain collection and database that narrows the gap between man and animal.

A convincing little bit of ancient Egypt smack dab in Richmond, Virginia.

A formerly abandoned mental institute, now back in business.

Post office plaque commemorates local resistance to a cult invasion.

The Hudson River School comes alive at this palatial estate.

This lovely pocket park is one of the most under appreciated in D.C.

The long, arduous journey of the stones of the Abbey of New Clairvaux.

The life of one of FDR's possible mistresses is preserved in her palatial Hudson Valley mansion.

This Connecticut chapel is a starkly modern, and surprisingly colorful, architectural rebel.

A tomb with a window to ensure the interred wasn't buried alive.

A legal loophole makes it possible to get away with murder within this 50-square-mile section of Yellowstone.

Turns out you can see the world without ever leaving Maine.

Obscure Freemasons still live in D.C.’s largest private residence.