Arts10 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.Ancient engineering marvels of the world's tallest churchAntoni Gaudí was known as "God's architect", and the centuries-old arch design he drew on for Barcelona's Sagrada Família helps it soar higher than any other church in the world.The woman 'who beat Disney by a decade'German director Lotte Reiniger's The Adventures of Prince Achmed was released a century ago in 1926 – and now stands as the world's oldest animated feature filmArts 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 history'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?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.Lord of The Flies' study of hate and division has never been more relevantWilliam Golding's story of boys descending into violence is a 20th-Century classic. Now Adolescence writer Jack Thorne is behind a new TV version speaking to a rancorous world.The hidden drawings of Cambodia’s ancient templesArchitect and sculptor Dy Proeung buried his life’s work to preserve it, and save his life.WatchThe forbidden erotica of ancient PompeiiA unique collection of erotic art was found perfectly preserved in the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.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 stories4 hrs agoTown's art installation chosen by publicThe Tidal Triplets was one of 11 art proposals for Barnstaple as part of a £3m creative boost.4 hrs ago1 day agoJohn Lithgow and Lesley Manville lead Tony Award winnersA revival of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman was the night's big winner with six awards overall.1 day ago2 days agoReturned artefact unveiled by Australian sleuthThe 17th Century wooden panel is back home in Flamstead after being stolen three decades ago.2 days ago3 days agoRoyal audience for radiographers' Spider-Man maskAbigail Williamson and Eve Tomlinson paint masks for their young patients during their breaks.3 days ago3 days agoGiant Indian puppets to take over Kensington streetGiant Indian puppets will parade along Exhibition Road this weekend as part of a free festival.3 days ago4 days 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.4 days ago4 days agoMuseum revamp sparks debate over art displaysArt historian Ruth Millington criticises Birmingham Museum over its recent refurbishment.4 days ago4 days 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.4 days ago4 days agoDementia exhibition: 'I'm still the same person'A photo exhibition aims to change perceptions of dementia by showing the joy many still experience.4 days ago4 days agoHenry Moore works to be unveiled at botanic gardenThe botanic garden says the pieces aim to encourage visitors to reflect on nature and humanity.4 days ago5 days agoArtist's gallery dream realised on eve of 96th birthdayBetsy Smith's work is going on display at Wolverhampton Art Gallery.5 days ago5 days agoNew sculpture celebrates city's porcelain heritageThe artwork is unveiled on the 275th anniversary of the founding of Royal Worcester porcelain.5 days ago5 days 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.5 days ago5 days agoABBA themed venue planned next to football stadiumPlanners recommend the approval of Mamma Mia! The Party next to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium.5 days ago5 days agoWeekly quiz: What did Rosamund Pike say to the person using their phone during her play?How much attention did you pay to what happened in the world over the past seven days?5 days ago...
