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.
Quiz Challenge: Can You Find the Difference?
Each question will present you with a group of four pictures, will you be able to find all the odd ones out and get a perfect score?
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These Microscopic Living Robots Have Memory!
The Xenobot 2.0 is the upgraded version of the first living, self-healing robot in history. This tiny living robot could save millions of lives one day!
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!
13 Bizarre & Beautiful Microscope Pics That Look Unreal
This photo collection features some unreal images of common things that have been put under the lens of a microscope.
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!
15 Petite Animals Sitting On People's Fingers
Look at this collection of 15 itty-bitty animals sitting on people's fingers!
Enjoy the Natural Beauty of 2025 Ocean Photography Winners
This year's winning photographs combine delicacy and drama, science and art, and offer a rare glimpse into life that is far from sight yet close to the heart.
10 of the Most Beautiful Buildings from Around the World
Like sculptures and paintings, buildings, as you’re about to see, can also be wonderful pieces of art. Check out these stunning architectural masterpieces from all over the world. These will undoubtedly amaze you.
Explore the Magic of Outer Space Through These 15 Images
Here are 15 of the most captivating astronomy pictures.
The Full Glory of a Golden Rome...
Look at these unbelievably colorful postcards from Rome, resurrected by Retronaut.
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Even Ordinary Things Look Fascinating in Slow Motion!
Even the simplest things like moving a tennis racket covered in powder or cutting a water balloon look absolutely fascinating in slow motion!
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!
These Cool Vintage Devices Are BETTER Than New Equivalents
People swear that their vintage devices are much better than then their new equivalents, even when they’re more than a century old!
Rediscover History With 17 Rare and Surprising Images
We all learned a great deal about the events that shaped the world but some things are hard to really understand from a textbook...
These Pictures Look Like They Were Taken In Another World
The pictures you're about to see appear as if they were taken on another planet. Enjoy these 23 amazing extraterrestrial-looking pictures.
Look Up! Take a Look at Stunning Panoramic Church Ceilings
These unique photos of the interior of beautiful churches is something I won't soon forget.
Some Photos Require No Explanation Whatsoever!
Here are 16 photos, all of which speak more than a thousand words by themselves.
These Stunning Panoramic Photos Will Leave You in Awe
The exceptional winners of the 2024 Epson International Pano Awards will leave you in awe.
These Colorful Photos Are An Affirmation Of Life's Beauty
These photos are concrete evidence of the existence of beauty in every nook and cranny of our world. What's more, they'll fill your heart with joy and wonder.
In Pictures: International Dog Photography Award Winners
Check out the amazing winniers of the International Dog Photography Awards.
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.
The UK’s Glorious Landscape in 15 Unforgettable Photos
From classic views of the British countryside to powerful images of the ocean, these Landscape Photography Awards winners are mesmerising.
A Glimpse at Halloween Festivities in the '20s and '30s
These vintage Halloween photos will give you the real chills.
15 Captivating Celebrity Pics from a Bygone Time
These vintage snaps of celebrities back in the day will make you feel nostalgic.
7 Incredible Ancient Engineering Feats to Astound You
Our ancient ancestors were incredible engineers as you're about to learn from this infographic.
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.
Some Building Designs You Just Don’t See Every Day
Some buildings around our planet are architectural masterpieces. These are certainly NOT some of them.
What Were They Thinking When They Put Up These Buildings!?
There are always buildings that people wish were never constructed, and the 50 you're about to see in this post are no exception. Here they are!
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Explore Poland's Epic Historical Architecture from the Sky
Don't consider Poland to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world? We can guarantee that this video will make you change your mind!
Architecture Gone Terribly Wrong: 10 Ugly Buildings
These 10 buildings have been frequently called the ugliest on the planet, do you agree?
16 Historical Pictures That’ll Bring Back Memories…
"It is a mistake to think that the past is dead," said Will Durant, and these 16 pictures prove him right...
These Two Churches Are Among The World's Most Beautiful
The capital city of Ecuador, Quito, is home to two of the most ornately decorated churches in the world. Take a look at their spectacular interiors here.
This Couple Did Something Sweet to Mark 70 Years Together
Not many of us make it to our platinum wedding anniversary, but this Chinese couple most certainly did. To mark the special occasion, they recreated their wedding day.
A Closer Look at Nature: 2024 Close-Up Photography Winners
The magical winners of the 2024 Close-Up Photographer of the Year contest will leave you in awe.
The World Looks So Unique in These Stunning Macro Photos
Take an extreme close up view of unusual things in this amazing collection of macro photographs.
We Bet You Never Knew These Items Were Invented by Women!
Here are 12 great inventions that we wouldn’t have if it weren’t for ground-breaking women.
Let Your Eyes Swim With Whales and Dolphins...
Take a look at this stunning photo collection of beautiful whales and dolphins by British Photographer Christopher Swann.
Stunning Architectural Masterpieces That No Longer Exist
Damaged by war, destroyed by fire, or foolishly demolished, these structures didn't withstand the test of time, but they still deserve to be admired & remembered
Astonishing! These Photographs Will Leave You in Awe!
Each year, the Siena International Photo Awards share the best photographs of the most beautiful events, people, and places on Earth. Here are some of the best!
Earth is a Gorgeous Place, and These 18 Photos Prove It
From the national parks in the United States, through the enchanting sights of the frozen north - these are the amazing gifts nature has to offer us.
12 Unforgettable Vintage Harley-Davidson Photos
Enjoy this iconic collection of vintage Harley-Davidson photos.
15 Fascinating Photos That Bring 1930s China to Life
These rare photos unveil some hidden stories from 1930s China.
Incredible Old Photos: Amsterdam Over 100 Years Ago
Have a look at some of George Hendrik Breitner's photography, which captures Amsterdam as it was in the late 19th Century and the early 1900s.
15 Photos That are Worth Much More Than A Thousand Words
Sometimes, as the following 15 fantastic photos prove, a picture is worth a lot more than a thousand words. Take a look and we're sure you'll agree!
The Name of the Game is... Camouflage!
These confusing pictures will challenge your vision and your mind!
I Can't Believe People Go to Such Lengths For a Photo!
Get ready to see some of the most epic and creative photos ever snapped!
These Multi-Billion Dollar Products Are Shameless Rip-Offs
Some of the most famous inventors of all time, some credited with inventing products such as the lightbulb, merely stole their ideas from other people...
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