After last week's heatwave across much of the continent, a cooler forecast offers a welcome reprieve — and a chance to explore a rich lineup of cultural events. From a major Ai Weiwei exhibition in Manchester to a new Madonna album and a television prequel to Legally Blonde, here is what to see, do, and hear this week in Europe.
Exhibitions and Events
Ai Weiwei: Button Up! at Aviva Studios, Manchester
Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei brings his characteristic scale and political urgency to Manchester's Aviva Studios. The exhibition, running from 2 July to 9 September 2026, spans two centuries of global history through monumental installations. Highlights include a 47-metre-long inflatable migrant boat and a three-tonne Murano glass chandelier composed of over 2,000 pieces. Together, these works form an unflinching interrogation of historical and contemporary injustices. For those interested in how art confronts power, this is a must-see. For more on how artists engage with global issues, see our coverage of Anish Kapoor's Hayward Exhibition Explores Darkness, Mirrors, and the Sublime.
Arnaldo Pomodoro: una vita at Gallerie d'Italia, Milan
Until 18 October 2026, Milan's Gallerie d'Italia hosts a comprehensive retrospective of Italian sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro, best known for his Sphere Within Spheres. The exhibition traces his evolution from the 1950s through the 2000s, featuring monumental works like Sfera grande — a fibreglass version of his first large sphere — alongside archival materials that offer fresh perspectives on his legacy. Pomodoro's work redefined the language of bronze, and this show is a rare opportunity to see his pieces up close.
Movies
The Invite — In Cinemas from 3 July
For those seeking a tense, wine-fuelled comedy, The Invite arrives in European cinemas on 3 July. Directed by a rising talent, the film stars Olivia Wilde and Seth Rogen as a married couple whose dinner party with their sexually open neighbours — played by Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton — spirals into explosive revelations. Drawing comparisons to Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Abigail's Party, it explores marital misery and repressed desires with sharp wit. A perfect choice for an air-conditioned cinema escape.
TV Series
Elle — Prime Video, from 1 July
The millennial nostalgia machine continues with Elle, a television prequel to Legally Blonde set in 1995. Lexi Minetree stars as a young Elle Woods navigating high school with her Chihuahua and pink clutch bag. The series taps into the enduring appeal of the original film's blend of pink-core aesthetics and main character energy. For younger viewers, it offers a glimpse into the glory days of 2000s teen movies; for older ones, it's a reminder that the original debuted 25 years ago. The show is available on Prime Video across Europe.
Music
Madonna — New Album, 3 July
Madonna returns with her 15th studio album on 3 July, her first release in seven years and a sequel to her Grammy-winning 2005 album Confessions on a Dance Floor. The album marks her return to Warner Records, the label that first signed her in 1982. Blending dance-pop, EDM, and house music, it features collaborations with Sabrina Carpenter and South Korean DJ Peggy Gou. While the summer heat may discourage dancing, the album promises to be a pulsating soundtrack for the season.
For those seeking further cultural exploration, consider the Holy Pop! Exhibition Explores the Sacred Relics of Extreme Fandoms or the London Design Museum Exhibition Explores NIGO's Influence on Fashion, Music, and Hype Culture.
