This week offers a rich tapestry of cultural events across Europe, blending ancient epics with contemporary art and music. Whether you are drawn to a 3,000-year-old poem reimagined on screen, a groundbreaking exhibition in London, or a festival in a Roman amphitheatre, there is something to engage every curious mind.
Exhibitions
Ana Mendieta at Tate Modern, London
From 15 July 2026 until 17 January 2027, the Tate Modern in London presents the first major UK retrospective of Cuban-American artist Ana Mendieta. The exhibition features 120 works — including photographs, paintings, sculptures, and remastered films — that explore her recurring motif of the body silhouette in natural landscapes. Visitors will journey through Mendieta's life and artistic evolution across several gallery spaces. More details are available on the Tate Modern website.
Beyond the Streets: The Legends of Street Art and Graffiti, Paris
Running until 30 August 2026 at the Grande Halle de La Villette in Paris, this sprawling 3,600 m² exhibition asserts that graffiti is art, not vandalism. It brings together over 100 internationally renowned artists, archival documents, and historic murals. Ticket holders can purchase limited-edition merchandise featuring the artists' works. For those in Paris until 20 July 2026, the "Michelangelo and Rodin: Living Bodies" exhibition at the Louvre and Musée Rodin is a final chance to see 200 works by the two masters.
Festivals
Benicàssim International Festival, Spain
From 16 to 18 July 2026, the Benicàssim International Festival in Spain offers a diverse line-up spanning pop, rock, electronic, and indie music. Last-minute tickets are still available on the festival's website. Meanwhile, in Lyon, the 80th edition of Les Nuits de Fourvière continues until 25 July 2026 at the historic Roman theatre. While some concerts are sold out, tickets remain for acts like Wet Leg and a tribute to Keith Jarrett's 'The Köln Concert'.
Movies
'The Odyssey' — Christopher Nolan's Epic
On 17 July 2026, Christopher Nolan's adaptation of Homer's Greek epic poem arrives in cinemas worldwide. Starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and Robert Pattinson, the film has generated enormous anticipation despite some controversies involving Elon Musk. The soundtrack is by Ludwig Göransson. A full review will follow.
'Lucky' on Apple TV+
Anya Taylor-Joy stars in 'Lucky', an Apple TV+ series about a woman on the run from the FBI and a crime boss after a failed heist. Based on Marissa Stapley's novel, the first two episodes drop on 15 July 2026, with weekly releases thereafter. Also on 15 July, Amazon Prime releases 'Ride or Die', an action-comedy starring Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer as best friends on a chaotic road trip across Europe.
Music
Gracie Abrams — 'Daughter From Hell'
American singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams releases her third album, 'Daughter From Hell', on 17 July 2026. Produced by Aaron Dessner, the album follows her previous work and features lead singles 'Hit The Wall' and 'Look at My Life'. Abrams described the album at the Met Gala as "the introduction to this new chapter."
For those seeking a deeper dive into European culture, the ongoing heatwave has prompted early closures of some Paris landmarks, as reported in our coverage of the heatwave. Meanwhile, the Rolling Stones' Keith Richards recently offered his views on America in a candid interview.
