Arts'Hideous': The controversy over Picasso's most shocking paintingLes Demoiselles d'Avignon was met with horror, then revered. A century later, the piece was reinterpreted by US artist Henry Taylor, and Picasso's masterwork remains contentious – why?The groundbreaking audio series that explored world history through objectsIn 2010, a radio show was launched called A History of the World in 100 Objects which recounted two million years of humankind through artefacts. Now it has inspired a new US version.The story of Marilyn Monroe's intimate final photos taken weeks before her deathOn the 100th anniversary of her birth, images from the Hollywood icon's final photoshoot reveal a carefree joyfulness that's far removed from the shocking tragedy of her death.Arts in MotionRolex and the ArtsThrough its Perpetual Arts Initiative, Rolex supports world-leading cultural institutions and exceptional artists, in the spirit of celebrating excellence and promoting the transmission of knowledge to new generations.See moreArt historyThe tragic romance 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.Whistler Mother is a US icon - here's why the artist would've hated its successThe artworks that inspired eight Met Gala looksWhy this 16th-Century painting isn't what it seemsThese artworks are by women - men got the creditDocumentariesAntiques RoadshowFake or FortuneThe World's Greatest PaintingsAncient Treasures with Bettany HughesArt That Made UsMozart In LondonBecoming Frida KahloShakespeare: Rise of a GeniusAround the world10 intimate images of a lost, decadent 1930s ParisMoving "from the slums to the exclusive salons", Brassaï captured the brothels, gay bars and backstreets of Paris's hazy night-time in its radical inter-war years.How a little town became Japan's unexpected art havenOnce polluted and suffering from depopulation, Naoshima has become Japan's hottest contemporary art enclave – and there are signs that life there may be finally rebounding.10 of the best books of 2026 so farFrom a darkly comic tale of revenge to a beautiful contemplation on friendship, here are the year's most acclaimed works of fiction so far.Iznik: The Ottoman art that captivated EuropeFind out how the ornate ceramics known as Iznik tiles hold the key to a forgotten golden age of Turkish art.WatchA cheat's guide to... Picasso's GuernicaWhat inspired one of the most famous anti-war paintings in history?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 Arts stories6 hrs agoPainting bought for $100 in US charity shop sells for £190,000Art teacher Helene Plotkin bought the work in White Plans, New York in 1966, unaware it was by Scottish Colourist FCB Cadell.6 hrs ago7 hrs agoMuseum revamp sparks debate over art displaysArt historian Ruth Millington criticises Birmingham Museum over its recent refurbishment.7 hrs ago12 hrs agoArtist realises art gallery dream on eve of 96th birthdayWork by Betsy Smith is going on display at Wolverhampton Art Gallery from Saturday 6 June.12 hrs ago13 hrs agoDementia exhibition: 'I'm still the same person'A photo exhibition aims to change perceptions of dementia by showing the joy many still experience.13 hrs ago14 hrs agoHenry Moore works to be unveiled at botanic gardenThe botanic garden says the pieces aim to encourage visitors to reflect on nature and humanity.14 hrs ago14 hrs agoArtist's gallery dream realised on eve of 96th birthdayBetsy Smith's work is going on display at Wolverhampton Art Gallery.14 hrs ago14 hrs agoNew sculpture celebrates city's porcelain heritageThe artwork is unveiled on the 275th anniversary of the founding of Royal Worcester porcelain.14 hrs ago14 hrs agoLennon drawings go on display at Beatles museumThe pop art images were used in a promotional film to accompany The Beatles hit I Feel Fine.14 hrs ago14 hrs agoABBA themed venue planned next to football stadiumPlanners recommend the approval of Mamma Mia! 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