As summer progresses, Europe offers a rich tapestry of cultural events, from a major pop release to thought-provoking exhibitions and a high-stakes political thriller from India. Here is what to watch, visit, and listen to this week.
Exhibitions
Lucian Freud at Louisiana Museum
Denmark's Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk presents a comprehensive exhibition of Lucian Freud's work, running until 27 September 2026. The show focuses on Freud's mastery of drawing across mediums—pen, charcoal, and pencil—alongside his celebrated oil paintings. Visitors can trace how the British painter, known for his unflinching portraits of the human form, used drawing as a foundation for his emotionally raw depictions. The exhibition invites a deeper understanding of his career-long commitment to capturing psychological truth through line and texture.
M.C. Escher at Somerset House
In London, Somerset House hosts over 150 works by Dutch artist M.C. Escher until 6 September 2026. Escher, who gained fame only in his fifties, created mind-bending optical illusions rooted in mathematics. The exhibition showcases his intricate woodcuts, lithographs, and drawings that transport viewers into paradoxical worlds. It is a rare chance to see the breadth of his visual experiments, from tessellations to impossible staircases.
Gaudí–Miró–Gomis: Deconstructed in Barcelona
At Casa Batlló in Barcelona, the exhibition Gaudí–Miró–Gomis: Deconstructed explores the interplay between architecture, art, and photography. Curated with a focus on Catalan modernism, it brings together works by Antoni Gaudí, Joan Miró, and photographer Joaquim Gomis. The show offers a fresh perspective on how these figures influenced each other and shaped Barcelona's cultural identity.
Film
Jana Nayagan: Vijay's Final Film
Indian superstar Joseph Vijay, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, stars in what is reported to be his final film, Jana Nayagan, released on 24 July. The political thriller follows an ex-cop fighting social injustice and corrupt leadership. Though the plot is dense and occasionally chaotic, the film has drawn attention for its bold critique of power structures. It faced lengthy delays due to censorship battles, adding to its controversial aura. For a lighter alternative, Kevin Hart's comedy 72 Hours streams on Netflix from 24 July.
Music
Charli XCX: Music, Fashion, Film
On 24 July, Charli XCX releases her new album Music, Fashion, Film. Following the global phenomenon of Brat summer, the British singer expands her creative universe into cinema—she recently soundtracked Wuthering Heights and appeared in indie films. The album's cover features John Cale, Marc Jacobs, and Martin Scorsese, signaling a shift from club anthems to a more reflective exploration of artistry and fame. It marks a transition for an artist who has become a cultural icon for a generation.
Television
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe
HBO Max launches the latest Big Bang Theory spin-off, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, on 23 July. The series follows comic book shop owner Stuart (Kevin Sussman) as he is tasked with saving the universe, alongside his girlfriend Denise (Lauren Lapkus) and friends Bert and Barry. While the premise is unabashedly geeky, the show offers familiar comfort for fans of the franchise.
For those following European sports, the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in New York has drawn attention, with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez attending the match before flying to Algeria. Meanwhile, wildfires in New Jersey threaten air quality during the event, a reminder of climate challenges even as the continent celebrates. Sánchez to attend Spain-Argentina World Cup final in New York, then fly to Algeria.
