Arts'Smoke and mirrors': Who was the real Andy Warhol?With his famous wig and shades, Warhol cultivated a mysterious, enigmatic persona. Now a new exhibition with unprecedented access reveals the man behind the elaborate façade.How 'dollar princesses' brought US flair to the UKThe rich, glamorous, American women who married into the English aristocracy faced prejudice on both sides of the Atlantic – but they were resilient, formidable characters.7 days agoCultureFive works that reveal Banksy's hidden philosophyBanksy's new mural in Marseille is not the first image he has connected to the history of ideas. A Banksy expert reveals the philosophy behind these popular artworks.2 Jun 2025Culture Arts in MotionIn a pioneering new collaboration, the BBC – in partnership with Rolex – celebrates excellence in arts and culture. See morePerforming ArtsSnook and Scherzinger win top prizes at Tony AwardsThe event, hosted by Cynthia Erivo, celebrates the best in US theatre, and particularly Broadway.See moreWatchWhat's behind Mona Lisa's indescribable smile?Art critics explain why people see Mona Lisa’s smile in different ways.19 May 2023ArtThe chair that took 10,000 hours to createThe Wangong Sedan Chair was an important tradition for China brides at the start of the 20th century. Discover the story behind its decadent design.23 Feb 2022ArtInside the harem where East meets WestJoin art critic Alastair Sooke in Istanbul as he uncovers the intriguing relationship between East and West.21 Nov 2023CultureOscar Wilde's life reimagined in dystopian musicalThe immersive musical-rave, set in a post-apocalyptic nightclub, has arrived in London's West End.8 Jun 2025LondonSee what your brain does when you look at artCutting-edge headsets show the impact of art on human brainwaves.26 Jan 2024Science & HealthEditor's picksThe hidden meanings in a 16th-Century nude sketchHow a rarely-seen drawing of the Three Graces by Raphael reveals the era's ideas about nudity, modesty, shame – and the artist's genius.20 Nov 2024CultureHow a little town became Japan's unexpected art havenFacing decline, Naoshima island turned to art to help locals feel a renewed sense of pride in their hometown. Then visitors started arriving.30 May 2025TravelThe moment that changed PicassoA short trip to an ancient village was the catalyst for a profound shift in Picasso’s work – but it is often overlooked. Alastair Sooke finds out more.16 Jan 2017CultureArt 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 operaThe legendary soprano making a differenceDame Kiri Te Kanawa has enjoyed one of the longest careers in operatic history.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 stories55 mins agoSheen comes 'full circle' with new theatre companyMichael Sheen says he's excited to launch his new company in the city his theatre journey began in.55 mins agoWales7 hrs agoI paint Gaelic murals around Glasgow - with pronunciations7 hrs ago9 hrs ago'Exhilarating and exciting!' How Bradford's children feel about their City of Culture showSing Dance Leap is the first collaboration between Royal Ballet and Opera, Opera North and Northern Ballet.9 hrs agoCulture10 hrs agoTheatre reopens after 20 years for pop-up summer showsMark Chadwick from rock band Levellers will be performing the opening gig.10 hrs agoSomerset11 hrs agoTheatre to open in former Debenhams in WestfieldA new 600-person theatre which feature an immersive show based on the film Dirty Dancing.11 hrs agoLondon11 hrs agoMusical aims to give teen stars West End experienceTwenty-five drama students from a range of backgrounds will perform four shows this weekend. 11 hrs agoEngland23 hrs agoUniversity theatre closure 'a warning to every community in NI'The Riverside Theatre, which is situated within Ulster University's Coleraine campus, is to close this summer.23 hrs agoNorthern Ireland24 hrs agoReclusive Wiltshire artist gets own New York show*** add summary ***24 hrs agoWiltshire1 day agoPianist Alfred Brendel dies aged 94Alfred Brendel's disciplined musicianship was tempered by a deliberately off-beat view of the world.1 day agoCulture...