ArtsThe gory Shakespeare play that makes people faintTitus Andronicus is the Bard's most violent work, and a new production is set to be one of the most extreme takes on it yet. It raises the question: why do we watch such brutality?Why this iconic 1839 painting is not what it seemsAs museums around the world celebrate the 250th birthday of JMW Turner, it's time to reappraise his beloved and celebrated painting, The Fighting Temeraire.17 Apr 2025CultureWaking up with a Banksy on your wall: The differing fortunes of two homeownersTwo homeowners had very different experiences when the elusive artist chose their walls for his work.6 Apr 2025Culture Arts in MotionIn a pioneering new collaboration, the BBC – in partnership with Rolex – celebrates excellence in arts and culture. See morePerforming artsHow The Lion King became the biggest musical everDisney's stage version of their hit film is an unmatched global phenomenon. Twenty-seven years on from its premiere, its director discusses why it was a big risk that paid off.See moreWatchHow the world's most creative groups came up with ideasThe often overlooked factor behind history's most innovative art, from the Sistine Chapel to the Bauhaus.See moreEditor's picksFive ways to spot a fake masterpieceThe recent discovery of an art forger's workshop reminds us of the long history of fraudulent artworks – here are the simple rules to work them out.12 Mar 2025CultureThe troubled history of the Sydney Opera HouseThe construction of the Australian icon was plagued by technical problems, soaring costs, public anger and political infighting. In 1965, BBC Tonight visited the construction site.24 Feb 2025CultureA glimpse at Picasso and Pollock masterpieces kept in Tehran vaultMasterpieces by the likes of Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh feature in the collection in Iran's capital. 17 Feb 2025Middle EastArt in ColoursThe rare blue the Maya inventedThe colour survives in the work of 17th Century Spanish colonial painters, a symbol of the wealth that ultimately doomed the Maya, writes Devon Van Houten Maldonado.The colour that means life and death23 Jul 2018CultureThe shady past of the colour pink19 Apr 2018CultureThe colour that comes from volcanoes27 Feb 2018CultureThe painting that revolutionised colour15 Feb 2018CultureThe insect that painted Europe red2 Feb 2018CultureTake me to the operaIs opera still 'elitist and exclusive'?The Travel Show follows soprano Isabelle Peters for exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the London Coliseum.See moreClassical musicThe most misunderstood Oscar winner everReleased 40 years ago this month, Miloš Forman's best picture-winning Amadeus is often accused of historical inaccuracies – but the film's critics could be missing the point.28 Sep 2024CultureMysterious musical instrument disappearancesFrom a 17th-Century Italian violin stolen from Japan to Drake's lost Blackberry in Mexico, here are musical lost and found mysteries that rival Sir Paul McCartney's.19 Feb 2024CultureHow opera is aiming for net zeroMany opera companies are working towards full sustainability, and Glyndebourne is among those aiming to be a force for good, according to a new documentary.7 Aug 2023CultureHow opera can be 'open to everyone'Is the world of opera becoming more inclusive? A new documentary, featuring conductor Antonio Pappano, explores the mission to open up the art form to everyone.31 Jul 2023CultureThe nation that is the 'land of song'Opera star Bryn Terfel emerged from an extraordinary cultural heritage and a nation renowned for its love of singing. "It's the air that we breathe," he explains in a new documentary.8 Jun 2023CultureGen Z's latest surprising obsessionA radical new wave of artists are sweeping the previously elite world of classical music – with a little help from fashion. Daisy Woodward explores how classical got cool.14 Jan 2023CultureMore stories40 mins agoMescal and Stormzy set for National Theatre showsNicola Coughlan, Monica Barbaro and Aidan Turner will also appear in new plays at the London venue.40 mins agoCulture11 hrs agoTown's landmarks 'brought to life' in new art showA new exhibition uses photographs, artwork and sound to celebrate well-known buildings in the town.11 hrs agoNorthamptonshire12 hrs ago'Inspiring' Museum of the Year nominees all outside LondonThe winner of the Art Fund prize will be announced this summer at a ceremony in Liverpool.12 hrs agoCulture14 hrs agoMuseum showcases Terry Pratchett's Discworld artA museum is showcasing work by the artist who illustrated Sir Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels.14 hrs agoSomerset14 hrs agoUnderpass mural designed to 'inspire positivity'The artwork depicts Dorset's iconic landmarks, symbols, wildlife and historical figures.14 hrs agoDorset1 day agoChild damages €50m Rothko painting in Dutch museumIt is not yet clear who will be held responsible for the cost of repairing Rothko's Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8.1 day agoEurope1 day ago'Terrible' artwork to feature in hospice campaignMy Lovely Postcards will exhibit a painting by an artist who went viral for his "terrible" work.1 day agoOxfordshire1 day agoWhy Alexandra Burke is nervous about playing Morticia on stage1 day ago2 days agoCeramic cats purchased by museum 'huge mews'The two cats are bought for £6,000 from grants and trustees of an art gallery. 2 days agoBeds, Herts & Bucks...
