ArtsSeven of the greatest rivalries in art historyThere is an art to rivalry. Mastering its rules has, since ancient times, shaped cultural history over millennia.This Indigenous winter scene is not what it seemsSatirical artist Wendy Red Star is debunking myths and upending cliches about First Nation and Native people. Now two exhibitions are featuring her work.Eight paint colours that can transform your homeAs Pantone announces its colour of 2026, here's more on the reasoning behind the choice – and what other trending shades can help you achieve greater domestic bliss.FeatureThe 'It Girl' style wars of Renaissance ItalyDuring a turbulent period of Italian history, some noblewomen used flamboyant, luxurious looks to gain soft power. Five hundred years later, they continue to influence designers.See more Arts in MotionIn a pioneering new collaboration, the BBC – in partnership with Rolex – celebrates excellence in arts and culture. See moreAround the worldThe truth about Tudor England's 'most hated woman'Was 16th-Century aristocrat Jane Boleyn a treacherous, "sex-mad" spy – or was she a convenient scapegoat? A new book explores her story.What ancient women really thought about sexAuthor Daisy Dunn's book, The Missing Thread, tells the history of the ancient world through women.The 80s Christmas TV horror that terrified BritainFirst airing on Christmas Eve 1989, the original TV adaptation of Susan Hill's creepy novel The Woman in Black contains what some consider one of the greatest scares in screen history.WatchHow a mythical symbol is inspiring Turkish artistsThe 'Shahmaran', half-woman and half-snake, is a mythical figure popular in the folklore of Turkey. Art & DesignThe £2m erotic drawings hidden from the worldA massive haul of drawings by Bloomsbury Group artist Duncan Grant is finally made public.ArtThe composer whose brother took the creditThe unsung life of German composer and pianist Fanny Mendelssohn, who composed more than 400 works of music.MusicMeet the world's first artist robotWe find out how AI blurs the line between creation and automation, raising questions about the essence of art.InnovationBlue 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.Art & DesignArt historyThe centuries-old origins of the witch's hatAs Wicked: For Good is released, what are the historic meanings of conical headwear, and how has it evolved – from its ancient origins to the empowered Elphaba?How a Klimt became the most expensive modern artwork Is this 1768 painting the real birth of modern art?The clues hidden in a true-crime masterpieceWhy art robberies exploded in the 20th CenturyPhotographyOtherworldly scenes of a remote Arctic cityPhotographer Elena Chernyshova explores what it’s like to live in a city 400km north of the Arctic Circle.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 stories6 hrs agoMarble Arch to have theatre 'like Minecraft tree' The structure would be a venue for the Arts Theatre while its Great Newport Street site is refurbished.6 hrs ago14 hrs agoSci-fi meets sea-life in virtual underwater worldUsing body-tracking sensors, visitors can interact with futuristic sea creatures in glowing waters.14 hrs ago15 hrs agoI would never have been an actor without free lessons - The Pact starRakie Ayola says state-funded music and acting opportunities paved the way for her career.15 hrs ago19 hrs agoThe woman who doodles Xmas scenes on windowsDebbie Carr has painted about 20 windows in Dudleston Heath this Christmas.19 hrs ago1 day agoArtist Nnena Kalu earns 'historic' Turner Prize winKalu wins for her sculptures and drawings, becoming the first learning disabled artist to scoop the award.1 day ago1 day agoDame Judi Dench 'horrified' by theatre sale planBroadstairs Memorial Hall will be sold at auction with a guide price of £350,000.1 day ago1 day agoCCTV shows suspects make off on foot with stolen artworksThe group allegedly held up a security guard and an elderly couple before escaping with works by Henri Matisse and other artists.1 day ago2 days agoRebrand of town's cultural hub dubbed 'unacceptable'A council wants to reopen the facility under a new name, but some say the plan is a waste of money.2 days ago2 days agoVillage bus shelter gets artistic makeoverThe parish council wanted to bring the shelter to life after it was damaged.2 days ago...
