ArtsWhy art robberies exploded in the 20th CenturyAcclaimed new film The Mastermind, starring Josh O'Connor, tells the story of an art heist gone wrong. It's inspired by a wave of similar thefts at a time when society was in upheaval.How giant murals are transforming cities worldwideArtist Dasic Fernández turns grey streets in New York, Santiago and Diriyah into colourful 3D landscapes.Why Frankenstein is so misunderstoodAs Guillermo del Toro’s new film is released, why is the message of Mary Shelley's 1818 novel still overshadowed?Feature18 of the best books of 2025 so farFrom an "epic" coming-of-age story to "delicious" dark academia – this is the very best fiction of the year, as chosen by BBC journalists.See more Arts in MotionIn a pioneering new collaboration, the BBC – in partnership with Rolex – celebrates excellence in arts and culture. See moreAround the worldHow Lee Miller's photos captured the horror of WW2The unflinching gaze of the fearless US artist and war photographer bore witness to both beauty and brutality. Now she is the subject of a major exhibition at Tate Britain.Inside the secret school keeping an ancient art aliveHidden in a quiet Italian town is one of the world's most unique art schools – and a rewarding destination for curious travellers.The dark side of the US's most divisive painterBeloved by many, despised by others, Thomas Kinkade's quaint rustic scenes and his wholesome image belied a tortured story that contrasts with his "sugary" artworks.WatchExploring Japan's ancient tradition of lacquerwareFind out how Japan's renowned Wajima-nuri lacquerware is crafted through more than 100 intricate steps.22 Nov 2024Culture & ExperiencesThe spectacular world of 'data sculpture'Art critic Alastair Sooke meets digital artist Refik Anadol in Istanbul to learn about his latest AI-based work.21 Nov 2023CultureThe naked pictures that question how we look at the bodyPhotographer Mikael Schulz takes naked pictures that convey a radical message of self-acceptance and diversity.16 Mar 2022PhotographyCan listening to Mozart drive you mad?What would happen if you listened to Mozart’s complete works – all 240 hours?23 Feb 2022MusicA cheat's guide to... Picasso's GuernicaWhat inspired one of the most famous anti-war paintings in history?23 Feb 2022ArtArt historyMichelangelo to Banksy: The art that was erasedPrefiguring Banksy's latest mural depicting a judge attacking a protester, are centuries of art history where works have been censored or edited.Six art history rules hidden in this Taylor and Travis photoThe Soviet artwork that spied on the USThe radical manifesto hidden in a masterpieceThe real meaning of Van Gogh's Sunflowers Take me to the operaA look back at operatic legend Maria Callas' lifeGreek-American soprano Maria Callas, hailed as one of the greatest singers in operatic history, remains an icon for young performers today.See moreClassical musicHow the Psycho music score changed film foreverAlfred Hitchcock's grisly horror might not have become a classic without composer Bernard Herrmann's disturbing score.Does Notre-Dame still sound the same?Performers and visitors to the famous gothic cathedral in the midst of the River Seine may find some subtle differences to the way sound bounces around its walls.How music saved a cellist's life in AuschwitzAfter being sent to the Nazi death camp in 1943, Anita Lasker survived by playing in its women's orchestra. In 1996, she spoke to the BBC about her ordeal.The most misunderstood Oscar winner everMiloš Forman's best picture-winning Amadeus is often accused of historical inaccuracies – but the film's critics could be missing the point.How 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.The mission to make opera 'open to everyone'Is the world of opera becoming more inclusive? A BBC documentary, featuring conductor Antonio Pappano, explores the mission to open up the art form to everyone.More stories6 mins agoStudents call for arts shop to be spared from cutsMore than 850 people sign a petition opposing the closure of the campus art store.6 mins ago12 mins agoCar blueprints turned into contemporary artArtist Alan Reullier uses original engineers drawings from the archives of the British Motor Museum.12 mins ago1 hr agoThe Belfast artists bringing murals to ThailandA popular NI street art festival is launching a sister event in the south-east Asian nation.1 hr ago1 hr agoArt inspires football kit for Black History MonthA painting depicting a slavery abolitionist inspires the limited-edition kit.1 hr ago1 hr agoWest End stars highlight need for more black donorsAfter life-saving treatment, Sacha Gomez enrols performers from Hamilton and Evita for a charity show. 1 hr ago8 hrs agoBelfast actress returns home to direct 'incredible' playGeraldine Hughes says she wants to bring "important stories" to Belfast - stories she is "proud to tell".8 hrs ago10 hrs agoDavid Hockney's iPad drawings sell for millionsSeventeen prints titled "Arrival of Spring in Woldgate" went under the hammer at Sotheby's earlier.10 hrs ago16 hrs agoMan admits burgling Damien Hirst's art studioLiam Middleton-Gomm pleads guilty to burgling Hirst's studio and his father admits handling stolen goods.16 hrs ago19 hrs agoCity theatre announces 260th anniversary schemeThe theatre will celebrate its 260th anniversary by taking new plays into schools across the city.19 hrs ago...