The world is full of hidden wonders, and sometimes, the most extraordinary things are the ones we can't see with the naked eye. For 50 years, Nikon's Small World competition has been shining a light on the beauty and complexity of the microscopic world. It's where cutting-edge science and captivating artistry collide, revealing breathtaking images captured through the lens of a light microscope.
Related: Micro-Color: The Colorful Life of Little Critters!
This year, over 2,100 entries poured in from across the globe, showcasing the incredible talent of scientists and hobbyists alike. Each image was carefully judged by a panel of experts, taking into consideration its originality, its informational value, its technical skill, and its visual impact. Scroll down for 15 of the best entries from the 2024 competition.

Cross section of European beach grass (Ammophila arenaria) leaf.
Tiny Frogs With Tiny Props - Adorable Photos!
These adorable little animals use leaves and flowers as miniature umbrellas - how cute!
Nature’s Cutest Couples - Closeup Photo Edition
These beautiful nature photos will give you a close-up look at some of the cutest couples in the animal kingdom!
Tiny Mice Get Dream Home Thanks to Kind-Hearted Artist
Wildlife photographer Simon Dell has built an entire village for mouse he saw in his garden.
Tiny Animals in Stunning Detail: 16 Macro Photos
These macro shots reveal the intricate beauty of tiny insects and creatures.
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Science Lesson: Can We Keep Zooming In... Forever?
This is your gateway into the fascinating world of atomic-scale imaging.
Nikon Finally Presented the BEST Macro Photos of 2020
We present the 20 best shots of this year’s Nikon Small World Contest that reveal the microscopic world from new and surprising angles!
These Unconventional Buildings Will Make You Look Twice!
You haven't seen such bizarre buildings before!
Color Postcards That Show 1890s Scotland in All Its Beauty
These stunning postcards of Scotland during the end of the 19th century were produced by the Detroit Publishing Company using the Photochrom process.
These Soulful Photos Depict Bygone Days in Vivid Color!
Looking through these splendid historical pictures is guaranteed to make you feel nostalgic!
The Children of London 70 Years Ago – 16 Captivating Pics
Enjoy these fascinating vintage pictures of children on the streets of London by the late photographer Thurston Hopkins.
These Striking Photos Show the Nostalgia of Days Gone By
There's nothing quite like black and white photos to evoke some serious nostalgia. Take a look at these 25 photos to see a world gone by.
How a Good Haircut Can Make a Great Difference
Can a haircut make you feel ten times more confident and beautiful? Definitely yes, just look at these 14 amazing transformations!
Singapore Bursts Into Color in These Gorgeous Photos
Singapore is a success story - it's the city-state that took its citizens from the third world into the first in a generation. View its incredible architecture.
Are These Japanese Houses Crazy or Artistic?
The Japanese are known for being a little eccentric. Put that together with their enterprising spirit and there's a recipe for weirdest home designs ever!
18 Glimpses of the World’s Most Fascinating Places
These awe-inspiring photos feel almost dreamlike,
These National Geographic Photos All Won Awards
These beautiful photos are all winners and runner ups of National geographic's travelers' photography competition.
What Daily Life in Ancient Egypt Really Looked Like
Here are 14 artistic depictions that offer a glimpse into what life was like in ancient Egypt.
View the Stunning & Varied Architecture of the Netherlands
A German photographer has always been fascinated by the modern architecture of the Netherlands, and this is what happened when he went to capture it.
These Japanese Truck Gardens Are Absolutely Stunning!
Every year, landscapers from across Japan create amazing and whimsical gardens in their trucks to see who can claim to be the best mobile landscaper.
Here Are 15 Rare Sights You Won't See More Than Once!
Here are 15 rare sights that you're practically guaranteed to never see more than once in your lifetime!
One Photographer is Capturing the Ocean In a Whole New Way
Australian photographer Matt Burgess rises early each morning in the hope of capturing the perfect ocean shot. Take a look at 11 of his best pieces of work.
Undiscovered History: 20 Rarely-Seen Vintage Photos
These rare vintage photos bring forgotten history to life.
These Crazy Statues Will Really Mess with Your Head...
Check out these 15 bombastic sculptures that simply appear to defy the laws of physics. Take a look for yourself!
16 Vintage Photos That Bring the Victorian Age to Life
These 16 images take us back to that complex Victorian period.
Historic Pics: Fascinating Architecture of Past Centuries
Each sepia-toned image tells a profound story, serving as both historical testimony and artistic record.
See What France in the Late 19th Century Was Like
Taken in the 19th century, these postcards of France were created using the Photochrom process. The results were extraordinary.
Here Are 14 of the Funniest Wildlife Pictures You Will See
Sometimes wild animals can be pretty amusing without realizing it and these hilarious pictures show them at their funniest!
10 Award-Winning Dog Photos That Melt the Heart
These dogs stole the spotlight at the 2024 Dog Photography Awards.
Rare Images Reveal How Planets Change Over Time - 20 Pics
Here are some of the most striking planetary changes ever captured.
French Artist Transforms Streets with Whimsical 3D Art
French artist Pierre Bertolotti transforms dreary spaces with his incredible 3D graffiti.
In Pictures: International Dog Photography Award Winners
Check out the amazing winniers of the International Dog Photography Awards.
Take a Look At These Rare, Recently-Unearthed Vintage Pics
Vintage photos are wonderful to see in themselves, but they take on a whole new significance when we know the stories behind them. Take a look.
15 Famous People In History That Were Really Good-Looking
A collection of 15 vintage photos that prove that some of the famous figures in history were quite attractive...
20 Stunning Photos Captured at the Perfect Moment
Take a look at these perfectly-timed photos that will undoubtedly take your breath away.
18 Pieces of Furniture With Entirely Unique Designs
Behold some of the most fascinating designs for furniture we've seen in a while!
Relive the 1940s Through These Fascinating Photos
These vivid photos will transport you to a bygone era - the United States during the Great Depression and World War II. Absolutely fascinating!
The Beauty of Wooden Artistry: 15 Stunning Examples
Check out some of the most impressive handmade woodworking projects.
10 Historical Figures Side by Side Their Live Descendants
Have you ever wondered how the modern-day descendants of some of the most iconic historical figures looked like? Wonder no more, here they are.
These Remarkable Ceilings Are a Different Kind of Art!
These fantastic ceilings come from mosques all over the world and one must admit they design is unique, complex and beautiful.
These Photos Will Make You Look Twice... Then Three Times!
These photos all require a second and third look to understand.
Feast Your Eyes on 10 of the World's Most Amazing Palaces
From Asia to Europe, here are 10 majestic palaces that will captive you with their architectural styles.
18 Photos Showcasing the Best of Ocean Photography 2024
Here are 18 winning and selected photos from the 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year competition.
Gallery: 2024 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year
Check out the jaw-dropping photos of 2024 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year.
These Planetary Storm Photos Will Blow You Away
These planetary storm photos will blow you away.
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See Polonnaruwa - A Magical Medieval City In Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa was the seat of the Sinhalese kingdom that ruled over Sri Lanka between the 11th and 14th centuries. Take a look at this stunning city.
These Are Literally "Blink and You'll Miss It" Photos
Some photos are just timed so perfectly! They're an absolute joy to behold. Here are 18 awesome "Blink and You'll Miss It" pictures.
16 Photos That Reveal the True Majestic Beauty of Birds
Stunning photographs from this year's Bird Photographer of the Year Competition held by the British Trust for Ornithology.
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