ArtsWhy this banana was sold for $6m at an auction By sticking a banana to a wall with duct tape and calling it art, Maurizio Cattelan created one of the greatest cultural debates of recent times.14 of the best books of 2026 so farFrom a dizzyingly brilliant heist to a devastating tale of generational loss, here are the year's most acclaimed works of fiction so far.'A literary assassination': How novel Life of M sparked a Hollywood scandalControversy is swirling around Rachel Cusk's new novel and its movie-star protagonist named "M". Why the fuss – and could the character be based on Natalie Portman?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 historyPower, posturing, penis size: What the Bayeux Tapestry reveals about the Middle AgesIn the 11th-Century masterpiece's tale of a contested throne, virility is equated to power – and the largest and proudest appendage. It tells a story that feels familiar today.The 1920s paintings that changed how the world saw Canada A history of art in seven coloursThe image that fuelled the American RevolutionDocumentariesInside the Mind of Agatha ChristieAncient Treasures with Bettany HughesBritain's Hidden HeritageRenaissance: The Blood and the BeautyVersailles: The Dream of a KingAmanda and Alan's Italian JobAround the worldWhales were once seen as monsters - then came Moby Dick Now 175 years old, US author Herman Melville's classic is the ultimate tale of man v whale – but in fact, it questions why humans have been so terrified of these great sea creatures.Eight of the world's most colourful buildingsImaginative architects have long used colour to elevate their work. From a dazzling ancient temple to a vibrant library, here are eight buildings where colour is integral.Is this the world's oldest novel?The Tale of Genji is a Japanese novel written a thousand years ago by female author Murasaki Shikibu.10 remarkable artists' homes that are also museumsFrom Dalí's surreal home to Derek Jarman's seaside cottage and Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul, these homes and gardens are shrines to their extraordinary owners.WatchThe Korean island in love with sex South Korea's Jeju Island is breaking traditional taboos with not one, but two, museums entirely dedicated to sex. 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.Yannick Nézet-Séguin: Mozart reveals everythingThe music director of the Met Opera shares how a commitment to authenticity shape his approach to conducting.Sinfonía por el Perú: Changing lives through musicWhat if a single note could change a life? That's exactly what's happening at Sinfonía por el Perú.Steven Isserlis: 'I want to be a voice in their heads'In an intimate portrait, acclaimed cellist Steven Isserlis opens up about why he loves teaching young musicians.Yannick Nézet-Séguin: From child prodigy to modern maestroThe renowned conductor and music director of the Met Opera reveals how a calling became his lifelong journey.More Arts stories11 hrs agoRenoir theft 'shows museums should check security'The founder of Art for Guernsey says more and more people consider artworks for their price.11 hrs ago15 hrs agoWhat we know about the Renoir museum heistThieves stole four Renoir paintings and abandoned two in garden as they fled, according to the local mayor.15 hrs ago17 hrs agoForest haven to dream home: 10 stunning buildings 'blended' with nature Here are some of the world's best new buildings that are immersed in their wild surroundings.17 hrs ago1 day agoLiam Gallagher's tambourine grin and Charli XCX says bye to Brat: The Music Photography Awards 2026 shortlist Nominees for the Abbey Road awards captured some of the past year's best moments in music.1 day ago1 day agoCharity buys archive of Third Eye centre and CCA Exhibition records, photographs, films, posters, flyers and artists' letters chart the story of two organisations that were central to Glasgow's art scene.1 day ago2 days agoBellingham and Rogers orange chips mural vandalisedArtist Dion Kitson says it was "sad to see". 2 days ago2 days agoConstable painting draws crowds in his home countyThe Hay Wain depicts a rural scene in Suffolk and is on show there for the first time.2 days ago2 days agoGraffiti artists transform seaside wall into muralSeventy artists from across the UK and Europe descend on the town to transform the wall.2 days ago3 days agoMural celebrates nearly 40 years of women's centreThe 40ft-long mural aims to tell the story of the Tees Valley Women's Centre in South Bank.3 days ago3 days agoFamily keeping dog's memory alive around the worldHarvey Rocks - created by the Simpkins family in Wiltshire - are being hidden around the world.3 days ago3 days agoHuge wallpaper artwork on display in Aberdeen's art deco swimming poolThe work by London-based artist Tod Hanson was painted in pieces in his small studio, before being assembled with tape on the pool floor.3 days ago3 days agoMy journey from council estate to Dragons' DenNathan Murdoch recalls being doubted by his boss when he walked away from a decade-long career.3 days ago3 days agoWhy Munya Chawawa is 'jumping ship' from socials to ShakespeareThe comedian is making his stage acting debut and says he wants to move away from social content.3 days ago4 days agoCouncil launches campaign to buy local theatreBut the local authority is having to purchase the freehold from its counterpart council. 4 days ago4 days agoArgentine couple to return Nazi-looted painting to rightful ownerThe late-baroque Portrait of a Lady was lost for 80 years until it was spotted in photographs of a house for sale near Buenos Aires.4 days ago...
