AdvertisementArtsThe Salt Path and 2025's most scandalous booksIn 2025, personal stories proved popular and powerful – but several controversies raised questions about the future of the memoir genre.The '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.The dark side of the US's most divisive painterBeloved by many, despised by others, Thomas Kinkade's quaint rustic scenes and his wholesome image belied a tortured story that contrasts with his "sugary" artworks.AdvertisementFeatureEight 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.See more Arts in MotionIn a pioneering new collaboration, the BBC – in partnership with Rolex – celebrates excellence in arts and culture. See moreAround the worldSeven of the greatest rivalries in art historyThere is an art to rivalry. Mastering its rules has, since ancient times, shaped cultural history over millennia.Turkey's ornate Ottoman-era 'bird palaces'Many of Istanbul's visitors are unaware that the city is home to half-a-millennium-old stone-carved bird houses that reflect the Ottomans' reverence for the animals.The 1958 Italian novel that skewered the super-richLampedusa's mid-20th-Century novel The Leopard became a bestseller, then a revered film, and is now a lavish Netflix series. Why does it remain relevant today?DocumentariesWonderland: The Story of ChristmasWestminster Abbey at ChristmasTake Me to the OperaThe World's Greatest PaintingsShakespeare: Rise of a GeniusSecrets of Britain's Historic Houses and GardensMozart In LondonDecoding TurnerArt historyThe ancient monuments saluting the winter solsticeDozens of mysterious structures across the Northern Hemisphere – some nearly 5,000 years old – align precisely to frame the rising and setting Sun on midwinter's shortest day.The centuries-old origins of the witch's hatHow 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 masterpieceWatchThe ancient art of Japanese bonsaiWildlife expert Nick Baker explores the influence of the natural world on the art of Japanese bonsai.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 stories1 hr ago'No judgement, just joy' - inside London's relaxed pantomimesThe performances keep the same story and magic of a pantomime but introduce thoughtful adjustments.1 hr ago2 hrs agoThe 77-year-old ballet dancer who still performsAlexandra Pickford has danced ballet since she was 11-years-old and never stopped.2 hrs ago2 hrs agoRevamped theatre will have 'something for everyone'Louise Chantal, director at Peterborough's 900-seater venue in Bretton reflects on her first year.2 hrs ago19 hrs agoThe travel images that transported us in 2025From a secluded valley in Uzbekistan to a sacred Canadian island you can see but not touch, these images captivated BBC.com's photo editors this year.19 hrs ago21 hrs agoChristmas spirit offered 'right through the year'Grace Trust says it offers the Christmas spirit all year to people on Jersey who are struggling. 21 hrs ago1 day agoThe carol of peace based on a Biblical massacreThe Coventry Carol stands alongside the cathedral as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.1 day ago1 day agoA Christmas Carol - with a Belfast twistCharles Dickens' novella has been reimagined by playwright Marie Jones in the setting of Victorian Belfast. 1 day ago2 days agoSomerset theatre regeneration plans submittedThe theatre has been closed for two years but work to bring it back could start next year.2 days ago2 days agoAmateurs join Les Miserables cast at Royal VarietyLuke Wilby and Ryan Brown sang with the Les Miserables West End cast at the Royal Albert Hall.2 days ago12345...11