As May reaches its midpoint, Europe's cultural calendar shifts into high gear. Festival season is upon us, from the Cannes Film Festival on the French Riviera to the Venice Biennale, where visitors can also explore satellite exhibitions across the lagoon city. For those seeking smaller doses of escapism, several new museum shows and film releases offer compelling reasons to step indoors—or outdoors, depending on your taste.
Exhibitions
Rising Voices: Contemporary Art from Asia, Australia and the Pacific
Where: V&A South Kensington, London, UK
When: 16 May 2025 – 10 January 2027
The Asia-Pacific region is home to 60 percent of the global population and produces some of the world's most innovative cultural output. Yet outside that region, these works are rarely seen in such breadth. London's Victoria and Albert Museum corrects that with a comprehensive display of over 70 sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and textiles by more than 40 artists. The exhibition reflects the diverse perspectives and evolving cultures of a vast, often underrepresented area. It is a rare chance to engage with creativity from Australia, Asia, and the Pacific in one space.
Plumes from Paradise
Where: Musée du quai Branly, Paris, France
When: 12 May 2025 – 8 November 2026
Birds-of-paradise, with their vivid colours and theatrical plumage, have long fascinated humans. Native to New Guinea, they symbolise desire, freedom, and glamour. The Musée du quai Branly's new exhibition brings together nearly 190 works—paintings, photography, fashion, and ecological displays—that trace the birds' cultural impact and our enduring admiration. It is a visually rich journey through art and natural history.
Film
Obsession
Where: Cinemas across Europe
When: 15 May 2025
Be careful what you wish for—especially in a horror movie. Obsession follows Bear (Michael Johnston), a young man infatuated with his childhood friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). After he wishes on a novelty willow branch that she would love him more than anyone else, things spiral into bloody chaos. Nikki becomes possessed by an all-consuming obsession, stopping at nothing—including violence—to keep Bear to herself. Following in the footsteps of Companion and Together, this film questions codependency and the perils of being unlovable. Bonus: May also marks the 25th anniversary of Shrek and the 40th of Top Gun, both re-released in select cinemas.
Television
Good Omens
Where: Prime Video
When: 13 May 2025
Brace for the Second Coming. Based on the graphic novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, Good Omens is a fantastical comedy about an angel (Michael Sheen) and a demon (David Tennant) who team up to prevent Armageddon. The finale is now a single 90-minute episode, surprising many fans who expected no closure after season 2 ended in 2023. Production was halted following sexual assault allegations against Gaiman. For those seeking a different kind of drama, the Yellowstone spin-off Dutton Ranch premieres on 15 May on Paramount+.
Music
Drake: Iceman
When: 15 May 2025
After a public feud with Kendrick Lamar, Drake returns with his ninth studio album, Iceman. The album reportedly explores betrayal, loyalty, and a return to confidence after recent controversies. Musically, it marks a return to his earlier high-production hip-hop/pop-rap sound. Features include Julia Wolf, Central Cee, Cash Cobain, and Yeat. Whether you are a fan or not, it is a major release in the European music landscape.
For those looking to explore beyond the main events, consider the satellite exhibitions around the Venice Biennale, or catch up on the robotaxi service now operating in Zagreb. And if you are in Tenerife, you might be interested in the calm response to a hantavirus-linked cruise ship docking.
