ArtsWhy this Robert Burns poem is a 'masterpiece'On Burns Night this week – and 235 years after Tam O'Shanter was published – Scots everywhere may well be treated to a masterwork with a unique appeal.The story behind cinema's greatest ever final shotCharlie Chaplin's silent comedy, City Lights, is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made – and its final moments are key to its reputation.Inside Italy's forgotten art townSicily's forgotten town of Gibellina was envisioned as an art utopia. Four decades later, it's painting a new future as Italy's first Capital of Contemporary Art.FeatureA rare interview with the elusive Agatha ChristieHer murder mysteries have captivated audiences for more than a century, but, 50 years after her death, she remains an enigma. A BBC profile from 1955 reveals some of her secrets.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 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.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.Eight 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.DocumentariesFace of Britain by Simon SchamaTreasures of the IndusFake or FortuneThe Genius of PalacesArt, Passion and Power: The Story of the Royal CollectionMozart In LondonAuctionDecoding 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 'It Girl' style wars of Renaissance ItalyThe centuries-old origins of the witch's hatHow a Klimt became the most expensive modern artwork What ancient women really thought about sexWatchA cheat's guide to... ImpressionismEverything you need to know about Impressionism but were too afraid to ask.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 stories4 hrs agoPhotos reveal behind-the-scenes glimpse of new Michael Sheen playNew photos have been released of Our Town, the first production by Michael Sheen's Welsh National Theatre.4 hrs ago7 hrs agoGlasgow's King's Theatre 'increasingly unable' to land large showsThe Glasgow theatre needs investment or many touring productions will only go to Edinburgh in the future, a report has found.7 hrs ago9 hrs agoSwitzerland's extraordinary medieval libraryThe Abbey Library of St Gallen is a Baroque hall of globes, manuscripts and curiosities that has survived, improbably, for 1,300 years.9 hrs ago11 hrs agoGo-ahead given for London's largest theatrePlans have been approved to build a 3,000-seat theatre on the Greenwich Peninsula.11 hrs ago11 hrs agoTheatre 'heartbroken' after treasurer takes £50,000The theatre says the money was taken by a "once respected and beloved" volunteer.11 hrs ago16 hrs agoBafta hopeful inspiring students at his old schoolActor's journey from Hull to Hollywood is raising aspirations among a new generation back home.16 hrs ago1 day agoAll you need to know about Hull Colliderfest 2026Sir Christopher Dean and Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock are among those appearing at the festival. 1 day ago2 days agoLiverpool to host Chinese art exhibitionThe exhibition of Chinese art will be displayed at the National Museums Liverpool in October.2 days ago2 days agoArt After Dark brings disco lights to West EndPiccadilly Circus will become home to a 7m-tall tower of stacked disco lightboxes.2 days ago...
