Arts14 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.In pictures: The dotty world of Japanese artist Yayoi KusamaKusama was known for creating extraordinary immersive worlds that delighted millions of visitors.Power, 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.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 historyThe five details that unlock the genius of Van Gogh's original 'starry night' Vincent van Gogh transformed an ordinary city square into something special with his first "starry night" painting in 1888. Here's how he did it, and what it means.The 1920s paintings that changed how the world saw Canada The image that fuelled the American RevolutionWhat this Frida Kahlo painting tells us about her most intimate vulnerabilitiesDocumentariesAncient Treasures with Bettany HughesBritain's Hidden HeritageRenaissance: The Blood and the BeautyVersailles: The Dream of a KingAmanda and Alan's Italian JobRethinking King George III: In Ten PortraitsThe Genius of PalacesAround the world10 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.'Sex, strategy and power': How women shape the plot of Homer's OdysseyThe protagonist of the epic poem is a heroic male – but the story is shaped by the stratagems and seductions of the women, nymphs and goddesses he meets along the way.Europe's secret dyeing formulaIn Central Europe, a rare, centuries-old practice has influenced the language, dress and culture of several nations.The servant who foretold King Henry VIII's death - and paid the ultimate price Elizabeth Barton became a celebrated visionary, but when she defied the monarch, she met a grisly end. Was she a charlatan or a heroine of the Tudor world?WatchJapan's ancient philosophy that helps us accept our flawsCan embracing imperfection bring greater peace? Japan's ancient tradition of kintsugi suggests it can.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 stories7 mins agoArtists sought to create village landmarkTorridge District Council is looking for artists to make original artwork for and about Westward Ho!7 mins ago8 hrs agoGadd's debt to Edinburgh: 'You arrive with an idea and leave with a career'The Baby Reindeer star says the festivals are essential for new talent, and that he owes his success to the Fringe.8 hrs ago20 hrs agoCapitol Plaza wins community asset statusThe former Scarborough cinema is formally recognised as plans for a theatre revival progress.20 hrs ago20 hrs agoWill pigeon mural get its wings back?Two years after a cafe's pigeon mural was controversially replaced, its owner plans a new design.20 hrs ago1 day ago'Dragon' offers street artist advice - and a jobNathan Murdoch is offered a job painting one of the Dragon's offices in London.1 day ago1 day agoCall for £1.5m to finish city regeneration schemeThe contractor is asking for an extra £1.5m to cover extra costs in order to finish the project.1 day ago2 days agoJapanese polka dot artist Yayoi Kusama dies aged 97Her colourful creations drew large crowds and fetched some of the highest ever prices for a female artist.2 days ago2 days agoSusan Sarandon leads tributes to Rocky Horror Picture Show co-star Tim CurryStars of stage and screen grieve the cult British actor, who has died aged 80.2 days ago3 days agoFuneral held for renowned Palestinian artist Sliman MansourThe 79-year-old was best known for paintings depicting the Palestinian landscape and cultural scenes featuring Palestinian symbols of identity.3 days ago3 days agoRupert Grint to return to Harry Potter in Broadway playGrint, now 38, will play his character as an adult in the Harry Potter spin-off play in New York.3 days ago3 days agoChinese artist jailed over satirical Mao sculptures, say rights groupsThe case against Gao Zhen, who was prosecuted under a law banning "slander of heroes", has been seen as an assault on artistic freedom.3 days ago20 Aug 2026Whales 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.20 Aug 202620 Aug 2026Ukraine war chronicled in 50-metre-long paintingGloucester's response to the war plays a huge role in the painting, artist Russell Haines says.20 Aug 202618 Aug 2026Actress Phyllida Law, mother of Emma and Sophie Thompson, dies at 94Law appeared in films alongside both of her daughters, Dame Emma and Sophie, including 1996's Emma.18 Aug 202618 Aug 2026Eight 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.18 Aug 2026...
