As the summer heat lingers across much of the continent, Europe's cultural calendar offers plenty of reasons to step indoors — or at least to find a shaded spot. This week brings a mix of horror, photography, and rock nostalgia, with exhibitions and releases that span from London to Florence.
Photography: London's Saatchi Gallery showcases global vision
The Royal Photographic Society's International Photography Exhibition, now in its 167th edition, opens at London's Saatchi Gallery on 7 August and runs until 11 September. This is the world's longest-running contemporary photography showcase, and this year it presents 113 prints from 48 international photographers, selected from more than 5,200 submissions. The collection spans a wide range of subjects, techniques, and cultural viewpoints, offering a nuanced snapshot of the world today. Among the highlights are the works of prize winners Marcy Palmer and Léa Chen, who explore reproductive rights and generational memory, respectively. For those who prefer a more intimate setting, the Elton John photography show in Paris continues to draw crowds, while Athens hosts its own polyphonic photography festival at the Benaki Museum.
Rothko in Florence: A dialogue with the past
At Palazzo Strozzi in Florence, the exhibition “Rothko in Florence” runs until 23 August 2027, offering a rare chance to see over 70 works by Mark Rothko in a setting that profoundly influenced his career. The American abstract expressionist was captivated by Florence's architecture, history, and spiritual atmosphere, and his Colour Fields — vast canvases of luminous blocks — take on a new resonance within the Renaissance palace. The show explores the tension between classical and expressive art forms, a theme that Rothko himself grappled with throughout his life. It's a compelling dialogue between a modern master and the city that inspired him.
Horror: 'Insidious' returns with a fresh twist
For those who prefer their cultural experiences with a dose of adrenaline, the fifth instalment of the Insidious franchise arrives in cinemas on 21 August. Directed by Leigh Whannell and produced by James Wan, the film follows Gemma (Amelia Eve), a mother who discovers she can bridge the gap between the real world and a spiritual dimension known as “The Further.” As she raises her daughter in her childhood home, she inadvertently pulls dangerous entities into reality. While the franchise has struggled to recapture the atmospheric tension of its original, this new entry offers a fresh take on the demonic lore. Expect the usual Blumhouse jump scares, but with a more personal, family-centred narrative. Also this week, the Romanian evangelical drama Fjord begins its European rollout — look out for our full review on Friday.
TV: Conan O'Brien's chaotic travelogue returns
On the small screen, Conan O'Brien brings his hyperactive charm back to HBO Max on 22 August for a third season of Conan O'Brien Must Go. The series, a spin-off of his podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan, sees the American comedian leave the studio to surprise fans in their hometowns, learning about their lives and local customs. This season takes him to India, the Netherlands, Morocco, and the Philippines, promising more socially awkward encounters and chaotic observations. It's a deliberately unserious take on the travel genre, offering a comedic antidote to more polished travelogues.
Music: Weezer's nostalgic summer soundtrack
For those still clinging to the last days of summer, American rock band Weezer releases their 20th studio album, Gold Album, on 21 August. Known for catchy hooks like “Say It Ain't So” and “Island in the Sun,” the band has evolved over three decades. This new record is reportedly inspired by the dusty, dreamy grooves of desert rock, and features a more collaborative sound that feels both fresh and familiar. One music video even includes skateboarder Tony Hawk. Ageing is a central theme, with each track reflecting on the past and present to make sense of confidence and perspective. It's music to lie in the last of the summer sun to and wonder where all the time went.
As the week unfolds, whether you're drawn to the spiritual depths of Rothko, the demonic realms of Insidious, or the nostalgic riffs of Weezer, there's something to satisfy every cultural appetite across Europe.
