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.8 days agoCultureWaking 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 stories2 hrs agoDance teacher hangs up ballet shoes at 89Sheena Gough has decided to hang up her ballet shoes after a 72 year career.2 hrs ago3 hrs agoElgar's four-legged friend returns to HerefordDan the bulldog fell into the River Wye, which inspired Elgar's 11th Enigma Variation.3 hrs agoHereford & Worcester3 hrs agoGrande dame hangs up her ballet shoes aged 89Some of Sheena Gough's students travelled hundreds of miles for her classes in Edinburgh.3 hrs agoEdinburgh, Fife & East3 hrs agoLaunch party for Dorset Towns of Culture 2025Weymouth and Portland were chosen to host a series of events as part of a year-long cultural programme. 3 hrs agoDorset22 hrs agoThe overlooked masterpiece full of coded messages about WW1Esoteric and pioneering, the paintings of a lesser-known Pre-Raphaelite, Evelyn De Morgan, explored the trauma and meaning of war – and prefigured current fantasy art.22 hrs agoCulture1 day ago'We'll do Paddington proud' - Tom Fletcher reveals details of musicalThe McFly star says he is "so lucky and honoured" to have written the music and lyrics for the new show.1 day agoCulture1 day agoProms go dark: The Traitors and all-night concerts planned for 2025The programme for the 2025 Proms season is unveiled, with a host of special guests... and Traitors.1 day agoCulture2 days ago'Extraordinary world-views': Turner Prize nominees revealedThe four artists in the running for this year's prestigious art award are revealed.2 days agoCulture2 days agoTracey Emin love letter to light up Turner galleryThe projection is part of celebrations for the 250th anniversary of JMW Turner's birth.2 days agoKent...
