ArtsThe 40 most exciting books coming up in 2026From big-name authors Colson Whitehead, George Saunders and Maggie O'Farrell to debuts and non-fiction, these are the titles you'll want to add to your reading pile this year.The 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.Seven of the greatest rivalries in art historyThere is an art to rivalry. Mastering its rules has, since ancient times, shaped cultural history over millennia.FeatureEight 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 worldThe long, strange success of the Grateful DeadThe band staged their first concert in December 1965. In 1981, leader Jerry Garcia told the BBC about how they became superstars but "never sold out".The 25 best books of 2025From a "richly atmospheric" novella to a "virtuosic" debut – this is the very best fiction of the year, as chosen by BBC journalists.The 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.DocumentariesDecoding TurnerGreat Scots: The Writers Who Shaped a NationAuctionKilling Sherlock: Lucy Worsley on the Case of Conan DoyleThe Divine MichelangeloAntiques RoadshowMozart In LondonTake Me to the OperaArt historyThe '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 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 masterpieceWatchInside the harem where East meets WestJoin art critic Alastair Sooke in Istanbul as he uncovers the intriguing relationship between East and West.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 stories12 hrs agoBowel disease drug trial helps teen's dance dreamsGeorgia Banks from Maltby says taking part in the drug trial means she can pursue a career in dance.12 hrs ago13 hrs agoArtwork trail set to link new and old townSeven sculptures will be placed along a walking route between the older parts of the town and its new developments.13 hrs ago14 hrs agoRevival putting Manx dancing 'back on the map'A teacher says growth in Manx dancing reflects a growing appetite for reconnecting with traditions.14 hrs ago14 hrs agoMonet's 1872 'calming' masterpiece goes on displaySouth Tyneside Council says it is "an honour" to have the town included in the tour of the painting.14 hrs ago14 hrs ago'Come to join our choir and sing beautiful music'Wombourne Choral Society urges people to join its choir to take part in a free concert hours later.14 hrs ago14 hrs agoGareth Gates seeks a Beauty and the Beast co-star"I got my big break on Pop Idol so I'd like to give that opportunity back," the popstar says. 14 hrs ago15 hrs agoCondition of Shakespeare mural to be examinedThe scene from the poet's take on Venus and Adonis is thought to date from the early 17th Century.15 hrs ago15 hrs agoCouple jive around the world to raise thousandsDiane and Steve Gee have jived in more than 100 countries and in front of major landmarks.15 hrs ago1 day agoExport ban placed on £3m sculpture of landownerThe move is made in a bid to ensure the bust of Sir John Gordon goes to a gallery or museum in the UK.1 day ago...
