As May begins and the continent shakes off the last of winter, European cultural venues are offering a rich mix of exhibitions, film, and music. From the Mauritshuis in The Hague to the Albertina Modern in Vienna, here is what to see, do, and hear across Europe this week.
Exhibitions
Birds at the Mauritshuis, The Hague
Until 7 June 2026, the Mauritshuis in The Hague presents an exhibition exploring humanity's enduring fascination with birds. Curated by Simon Schama and inspired by Carel Fabritius's The Goldfinch, the show spans centuries, featuring works by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Pablo Picasso, and Tracey Emin. It examines how birds have been symbols of freedom, love, and beauty in art, offering a thoughtful counterpoint to the season's outdoor celebrations.
KAWS: Art & Comix at the Albertina Modern, Vienna
In Vienna, the Albertina Modern hosts KAWS: Art & Comix until 27 September 2026. The American artist's melancholic, muppet-like figures are placed in dialogue with comic-inspired artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Claes Oldenburg, and Keith Haring. The exhibition probes the boundaries between low and high art, a theme that resonates with contemporary debates about consumerism and commercialisation.
Bonus highlight: At the Moderna Museet in Stockholm, the work of Hungarian photographer Brassaï captures the smoky sensuality of vintage Paris, on display until 4 October 2026.
May Day Celebrations
On 1 May, communities across Europe mark the arrival of summer with May Day festivities. From dancing around maypoles in Germany and Finland to flower crowns in the UK, the tradition is a collective embrace of the new season. While the nuances vary—Germans and Finns often celebrate the night before—the spirit of optimism and renewal is universal.
Film
The Devil Wears Prada 2
Meryl Streep reprises her role as the fearsome fashion editor Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada 2, released in cinemas on 1 May. Twenty years after the original, Andrea (Anne Hathaway) returns to Runway as a successful publisher, only to clash again with Miranda and rival Emily (Emily Blunt). The sequel taps into millennial nostalgia, but also offers a sharp commentary on the fashion industry's power dynamics. For more on Streep's views, see our piece on Meryl Streep Champions LGBTQ+ Influence in Fashion Ahead of 'Devil Wears Prada 2'.
Bonus highlight: Damian Mc Carthy's supernatural horror Hokum, about a novelist at a haunted inn in Ireland, is now in select cinemas.
TV Series
Man on Fire on Netflix
From 30 April, Netflix launches Man on Fire, an action thriller based on A.J. Quinnell's 1980 novel. The series follows covert mercenary John Creasy (played by Abdul-Mateen) as he protects a teenage girl in Brazil while battling enemies and his own demons. It competes with Prime Video's Jack Reacher for the high-stakes action audience.
Bonus highlight: A new adaptation of Lord of the Flies by Jack Thorne (of Adolescence fame) streams on Netflix from 4 May.
Music
Melanie C's 'Sweat'
Former Spice Girl Melanie C releases her ninth studio album, Sweat, on 1 May. Described by the artist as her "most euphoric record to date," the album channels the dance-pop energy of her late-90s hits like 'Never Be the Same Again' and 'I Turn To You'. It is a call to let loose and embrace one's inner Sporty Spice.
For those planning outdoor activities, consider exploring Europe's Best Cycling Routes for 2026 or Germany's Barefoot Trails for a sensory journey through the Black Forest.
