Explore the world one picture at a time with these beautiful and inspiring pictures from across the globe - near and far, popular and unknown.

Here are a few selections from LIFE’s new special issue 100 Photographs: The Most Important Pictures Ever and the Stories Behind Them (clockwise from top left) Joe …

Experience LIFE's visual record of the 20th century by exploring the most iconic photographs from one of the most famous private photo collections in the world.

See how fashion, family life, sports, holiday celebrations, media, and other elements of pop culture have changed through the decades.

Photographers captured Rollie Free breaking the motorcycle world’s speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, 1948. Peter Stackpole/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

The following year she made on the cover of LIFE’s October 23, 1953 issue with the headline ‘Vikki Dougan: Actress, Model and Mother.’ The story talked about how the divorced 21-year …

Explore World War II within the LIFE photography vault, one of the most prestigious & privately held archives from the US & around the World.

See photographs and read stories about global icons - the actors, athletes, politicians, and community members that make our world come to life.

Explore John Wayne within the LIFE photography vault, one of the most prestigious & privately held archives from the US & around the World.

Explore 1960s within the LIFE photography vault, one of the most prestigious & privately held archives from the US & around the World.