ArtsThe tragedy hidden in a 19th-Century paintingHow the devastating meaning of The Meeting on the Turret Stairs is unlocked by a medieval Danish ballad – and why the painting can only be viewed for two hours every week.10 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 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.SpotlightWhy 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.See more Arts in MotionIn a pioneering new collaboration, the BBC – in partnership with Rolex – celebrates excellence in arts and culture. See moreAround the worldEight of the world's most stunning penthousesFrom a luxe haven with dizzying ocean vistas to the highest private home on the US west coast, these sky-high masterworks of design are among the most breathtaking ever built.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.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.DocumentariesFake or FortuneTake Me to the OperaIn Search of the BrontësSandringham: A Royal ResidenceVenus Uncovered: Ancient Goddess of LoveThe Divine MichelangeloRick Stein's Taste of Italian OperaBlenheim: Behind the GrandeurArt historySeven of the greatest rivalries in art historyThere is an art to rivalry. Mastering its rules has, since ancient times, shaped cultural history over millennia.'An enormous inner desolation': The darkness behind LS Lowry's city scenesThe ancient monuments saluting the winter solsticeThe mystery of the medieval fighting snailsWhat ancient women really thought about sexWatchSashiko: The art of stitching storiesSashiko is a 400-year-old Japanese stitching technique. What makes it unique?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 stories5 hrs agoWarrington sculptor wins Oscar for FrankensteinSculptor Mike Hill describes the award as "fantastic" and praises director Guillermo del Toro.5 hrs ago6 hrs agoMonet painting to go on free display in BlackpoolEvery local school will be invited to view the work by the prolific French artist, who died in 1926.6 hrs ago21 hrs agoDance centre aims to break down barriersTIN Arts, which works to transform lives through dance, is seeking a training centre in Spennymoor.21 hrs ago1 day agoFree Picasso exhibition opens in ManchesterThe collection is free to visit and features 35 original pieces from the world-famous artist.1 day ago1 day agoIt was once part of Scotland's landscape - now it's been sold for £26mKing and Queen by Henry Moore used to overlook a reservoir as part of a sculpture park near Dumfries.1 day ago1 day agoShop shutter art turns street into public galleryArtists have been working with local resident and businesses to brighten up a town centre.1 day ago2 days agoHundreds join parade to celebrate Our 'wonderful' CityThe event, which celebrates Hull, features more than 1,000 people and a variety of performances.2 days ago2 days agoTown bridge spruced up with heritage muralThe artwork is being created in part of Evesham to make the area "more welcoming", councillors say.2 days ago2 days ago'When you find something hard, you keep on going' - the children learning about resilience After the Covid pandemic teachers said there was a real need recognised by teachers to build more resilience in their children.2 days ago...
