Culture & Arts
Literature, film, design, food and the everyday culture of European cities.
From Birds of Paradise to Obsession: Your Mid-May Cultural Guide Across Europe
London's V&A opens a major survey of contemporary art from Asia, Australia and the Pacific. Paris's Musée du quai Branly celebrates birds-of
Eurovision 2026 Semi-Finals: Boycotts, Betting Favorites, and How to Watch
Five nations, including Spain, are boycotting the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna over Israel's inclusion. The first semi-final on 12
Tehran Museum Revives Anti-War Pop Art from Shah-Era Collection
The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art is showcasing American pop art with anti-war themes, drawn from a collection assembled by former Empre
Beyond the Biennale: Venice's Must-See Satellite Exhibitions
The 61st Venice Biennale transforms the city with satellite exhibitions in palazzi and canals. Highlights include Pichwai textile art, Dale
From Pew to Climbing Wall: German Churches Adapt to Shrinking Congregations
St Andrew's Church in Würzburg is set to become a bouldering centre, reflecting a nationwide trend. Germany has around 44,000 church buildin
Venice Biennale Opens Amid Protests Over Russian and Israeli Participation
Workers staged the first strike in Biennale history, protesting the presence of the Russian and Israeli pavilions. Twenty national pavilions
Damascus Kosher Struggle Reflects Syria's Diminishing Jewish Community
Syria's Jewish community, now fewer than 100 people, struggles to maintain kosher practices in Damascus. The lack of a certified Jewish butc
Venice Biennale 2026: Koyo Kouoh's Vision of Quietude and Connection
The 61st Venice Biennale, curated by the late Koyo Kouoh, centers on the theme 'In Minor Keys,' emphasizing quietude and connection. The exh
Musée d'Orsay Opens Gallery Addressing Nazi-Looted Art Legacy
The Musée d'Orsay in Paris has opened a new gallery focused on Nazi-looted art. The space aims to educate visitors about provenance and rest
Oxford's Historic Ultimate Picture Palace Faces Closure Over Lease Dispute
The Ultimate Picture Palace in Oxford, a 106-seat independent cinema opened in 1911, faces an uncertain future. Its landlord, Oriel College,
Edinburgh Fringe 2026 to Host UK's Largest Sauna Theatre
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival will feature the UK's first purpose-built sauna theatre in 2026. Located at Summerhall, the venue combines tra
Mortal Kombat II: Another Failed Adaptation or Just Dumb Fun?
The latest Mortal Kombat film delivers gory action but suffers from a disjointed narrative and tonal whiplash. Producer Todd Garner's defens