Arts11 of the Winter Olympics' most striking images - as classical artworksAs the 2026 Winter Olympics close, the BBC rounds up some of the most stunning photos captured from the Games, and compares them to historic works of art.The true story of Japan's mysterious samuraiFrom medieval beginnings, the samurai have inspired art, fiction and films, from Shōgun to Star Wars. But their true story is more complex and surprising than we might realise.Why critics scorned these 'saucy' British paintingsBeryl Cook's paintings were loved by the public but derided by the art establishment. One century after her birth, a new exhibition argues for a reassessment of her work.SpotlightThe most anticipated museum openings of 2026From a futuristic sci-fi attraction in Los Angeles to a dramatic monument to a millennia-old Aboriginal civilisation, these long-awaited museums are worth travelling for.See moreArts in MotionIn a pioneering new collaboration, the BBC – in partnership with Rolex – celebrates excellence in arts and culture. See moreAround the world10 early photographic 'fakes' that trick the eyeSome 150 years before today's AI deep fakes, photographers created remarkable image manipulations that tricked viewers. Here are 10 pictures from the 19th and 20th centuries.The story behind cinema's greatest ever final shotCharlie Chaplin's silent comedy, City Lights, is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made – and its final moments are key to its reputation.Inside Switzerland's extraordinary medieval libraryThe Abbey Library of St Gallen is a Baroque hall of globes, manuscripts and curiosities that has survived, improbably, for 1,300 years.DocumentariesIn Search of the BrontësSandringham: A Royal ResidenceVenus Uncovered: Ancient Goddess of LoveThe Divine MichelangeloRick Stein's Taste of Italian OperaBlenheim: Behind the GrandeurFace of Britain by Simon SchamaTreasures of the IndusArt historyThe shocking truth behind historic anatomical artFor centuries, real dead bodies inspired great artists and science illustrators alike. A new exhibition reveals the dark stories behind these cadavers – and how they were acquired.The ancient monuments saluting the winter solsticeSeven of the greatest rivalries in art historyThe 'It Girl' style wars of Renaissance ItalyThe centuries-old origins of the witch's hatWatchBlue Quran: A rare 1,000-year-old masterpieceArt critic Alastair Sooke learns about a masterpiece of the Islamic world at Doha's Museum of Islamic Art.See moreClassical musicThe music that keeps animals calmYou can find many different playlists for dogs and cats online. However, not all styles of music are effective.How 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.A 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.More stories7 hrs agoRSC Game of Thrones play will be 'immersive'The audience is set to be "living and breathing the same space as the characters".7 hrs ago9 hrs agoPhoto exhibition opens celebrating Martin ParrThe photographer, who died aged 73 in 2025, was known for capturing small details of everyday life.9 hrs ago12 hrs agoSeaside art exhibition explores love and belongingThe exhibition by Geoffrey Chambers is running for 10 days, including paintings, sculpture and film.12 hrs ago12 hrs agoArtists given three year extension for studioArtists Hayley Gibaut and Sophie Harris will continue using the space at Cyril Le Marquand Court. 12 hrs ago14 hrs agoTrain guard's station gallery is 'dream come true'Paul Mirfin spent 23 years as a train conductor but took up painting during the Covid pandemic.14 hrs ago15 hrs agoMan's 'uplifting' sculpture wins at US festivalJustin Scott says it is "absolutely amazing" to have won first place and plans to return next year.15 hrs ago16 hrs agoMelton Theatre put up for sale with £3.5m price tagBuyers are being sought for the Melton Theatre and college site in Asfordby Road.16 hrs ago16 hrs agoRare watercolour of Jungle Book bear on showThe National Trust says the artists who illustrated the book were inspired by trips to London Zoo.16 hrs ago17 hrs agoChild actor 'never thought' he would be in dramaTom Page-Turner plays Bill in the BBC new series and spent a number of months filming in Malaysia.17 hrs ago...
