Culture
Latest news and important information on culture, art, the arts industry, theatre, cinema, and more.
Geopolitics threatens 70th anniversary of Eurovision
The Eurovision Song Contest is famous for celebrating everything from cross-dressing ballad singers to heavy metal bands in monster masks, but geopolitics is threatening its 70th anniversary edition.
Spain's lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Spain is the fourth country in the world with the most sites inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list, just behind Italy, China and Germany, and with so many there's bound to be several you haven't heard of.
From classics to thrillers: Seven movies set in Austria
Austria has been the first choice for the setting of multiple internationally famous movies. The country’s beautiful mountainous landscape, numerous lakes, and historical cities have captured some unforgettable movie moments.
SKARS-GUIDE: Who's who in Sweden's Skarsgård acting dynasty?
Alongside Abba and Ikea, Oscar nominee Stellan Skarsgård and his many children are some of Sweden's most famous international exports. But who are they and what have you seen them in?
Culture, politics, food: What makes Europeans proud of their country?
A recent survey by the Pew Research Centre delved into what people feel proudest about in their country, with Europeans pointing to history, food and culture among the main reasons.
French actor sells used tissue for €100,000
A used tissue put up for auction by the French actor Pierre Niney has attracted bids rising to €100,000, which the actor says will be donated to charity.
15 art exhibitions to look forward to in France in 2026
From Robert Capa to Auguste Renoir - via Lee Miller and Louis XIV carpets - French museums are preparing their temporary exhibitions for the upcoming year.
French supermarket's veggie wolf Christmas ad goes viral
A French supermarket has made a strong entry into the competitive field of Christmas advertising with a viral animated clip about a vegetarian wolf that has wracked up tens of millions of views internationally.
Why Spanish pop-star Rosalía sings in German in her latest single
Her latest song 'Berghain' has gone viral online, with fans speculating about the artist's unusual language choice. So why does Rosalía sing in German in her new single, and what does she say?
'Where can I find Ophelia'? How Taylor Swift put a German museum in the spotlight
Swifties are flocking to a German museum to see the painting that inspired the video for the star's hit song, The Fate of Ophelia. Journalist Rachel Loxton interviewed the museum's director to find out more about Swift's impact on German art.
OPINION: Louvre jewel theft shows that France is simply too rich
As politicians decry the 'national humiliation' of the theft of the crown jewels from the Louvre, John Lichfield ponders whether France has simply too many treasures to protect them all properly.
Ten of the best documentaries about Spain
Want to learn more about Spanish history, culture, music and all those idiosyncrasies that make it so unique? These documentaries, some available to watch for free, offer true insight into what makes Spain the fascinating country that it is.
19 must-visit winter festivals and events in France
Celebrations of truffles, wine, farming and lemons - as well as Christmas and New Year festivals and a long dog-sled race - give winter a festive feel in France.
Ten things to know about Spain's prestigious Princess of Asturias Awards
Spain's Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony has acquired international prestige and is easily the highest accolade Spain grants exceptional citizens. This quick explainer will fill you in on everything you need to know.
Nine unwritten rules that explain how Spain works
What makes Spain and Spaniards tick? These unwritten rules will help you understand some of the traits of the national psyche, from the Spanish attitude to work to what Spaniards prioritise in life.
Inside Spain: Don't expect bullfighting to be banned anytime soon
In this edition of Inside Spain, we look at how the ruling Socialists have turned their backs on the possibility of removing bullfighting's protected status, thus ensuring that the controversial spectacle keeps taking place freely.
Do Taylor Swift's ancestors really come from a small parish in rural Sweden?
A community history group tried to get to the bottom of a persistent genealogy rumour surrounding US mega star Taylor Swift and a small parish in north-central Sweden.
France's renowned Pompidou Centre shuts for 5-year refit
Paris's Pompidou Centre, which houses one of the world's most significant modern art collections in one of the most celebrated modern buildings on the planet, shuts to visitors on Monday for a major five-year overhaul estimated to cost almost half a billion euros.
The essential dos and don'ts for your first Oktoberfest
The world's largest folk festival kicks off on Saturday, and is expected to lure around six million thirsty visitors to Munich over the course of two weeks. Here are the most important things to do (and not to do) if you plan to join the festivities.
Swedish dating disaster series tops Netflix viewing figures abroad
Swedish dating disaster drama Diary of a Ditched Girl has shot to the top of viewing figures in over 30 countries a week after launching on Netflix.
Listed: The iconic books that make up France's cultural canon
France's 'cultural canon' includes a range of classic novels which most French people will have read (or watched the movie, or at least heard of) and which are therefore often referenced. Aurore Laborie lists the must-reads.
Pippi, Ikea and the Nobel prize: Sweden gets its first cultural canon
Pippi Longstocking, Ikea's first branch in Älmhult, paid paternity leave, the Nobel Prize and the political speech that launched the 'folkhem'. These are among the 109 works and phenomena that have been included in Sweden's new cultural canon.
What’s on in Germany: Nine unmissable events this August
Whether you’re in Berlin for avant-garde dance, gaming in Cologne, or sampling wines in Rothenburg, August in Germany offers something for everyone. Here are nine of the best events taking place across the country.