ArtsThe Polish artist who painted Hindu gods in Indian palacesStefan Norblin painted beautiful murals in the art deco style for Indian maharajas in the 1940s.Dame Maggie Smith: A formidable star on stage and screenSmith was one of Britain's best-loved performers who was as much at home with comedy as with drama.27 Sep 2024CultureThe great artist recluse and his 78 missing paintingsHenry Orlik, 77, has not exhibited for decades, but now this unknown name is selling for thousands.22 Sep 2024Wiltshire Arts in MotionIn a pioneering new collaboration, the BBC – in partnership with Rolex – celebrates excellence in arts and culture. See moreTheatreFrom pub job and PlayStation to writing an award-winning playNathan Queeley-Dennis's debut play is following Fleabag and Baby Reindeer from stage to screen.See moreInterviewDalí talks about his iconic 'aggressive' moustacheIn an exclusive BBC archive interview the Surrealist artist shared the secret behind the most famous moustache in the world.See moreEditor's picksBehind the scenes at La Scala in MilanZeinab Badawi goes behind the scenes at one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses to find out how magic is made.11 Dec 2023OperaA history of art in 7 coloursKelly Grovier traces the pigments that make up hidden layers in masterpieces – some of them toxic – from Picasso and Hokusai's Prussian Blue to Vermeer's shade of red.2 May 2023CultureBlue Quran: A rare 1,000-year-old masterpieceArt critic Alastair Sooke learns about a masterpiece of the Islamic world at Doha's Museum of Islamic Art.19 Dec 2023Art & DesignArt in ColoursThe rare blue the Maya inventedThe colour survives in the work of 17th Century Spanish colonial painters, a symbol of the wealth that ultimately doomed the Maya, writes Devon Van Houten Maldonado.The colour that means life and death23 Jul 2018CultureThe shady past of the colour pink19 Apr 2018CultureThe colour that comes from volcanoes27 Feb 2018CultureThe painting that revolutionised colour15 Feb 2018CultureThe insect that painted Europe red2 Feb 2018CultureTake me to the operaThe legendary soprano making a differenceDame Kiri Te Kanawa has enjoyed one of the longest careers in operatic history.See moreClassical musicThe most misunderstood Oscar winner everReleased 40 years ago this month, Miloš Forman's best picture-winning Amadeus is often accused of historical inaccuracies – but the film's critics could be missing the point.28 Sep 2024CultureMysterious musical instrument disappearancesFrom a 17th-Century Italian violin stolen from Japan to Drake's lost Blackberry in Mexico, here are musical lost and found mysteries that rival Sir Paul McCartney's.19 Feb 2024CultureHow opera is aiming for net zeroMany opera companies are working towards full sustainability, and Glyndebourne is among those aiming to be a force for good, according to a new documentary.7 Aug 2023CultureHow opera can be 'open to everyone'Is the world of opera becoming more inclusive? A new documentary, featuring conductor Antonio Pappano, explores the mission to open up the art form to everyone.31 Jul 2023CultureThe nation that is the 'land of song'Opera star Bryn Terfel emerged from an extraordinary cultural heritage and a nation renowned for its love of singing. "It's the air that we breathe," he explains in a new documentary.8 Jun 2023CultureGen Z's latest surprising obsessionA radical new wave of artists are sweeping the previously elite world of classical music – with a little help from fashion. Daisy Woodward explores how classical got cool.14 Jan 2023CultureMore stories1 day agoRare Lowry painting expected to sell for up to £1mThe oil on canvas is among the rarer recognizable views by the painter.1 day agoCumbria1 day agoStoryhouse set for extra 10 years in current homeCheshire West and Chester Council is being asked to consider a 10-year extension on Storyhouse. 1 day agoCulture2 days agoArtist wins award for Cornwall festival printDenzil Forrester's work will be displayed in UK government buildings around the world.2 days agoEngland2 days agoSchool wins Disney competition to stage FrozenThe Arnewood School, in Hampshire, will be the first of 11 schools across the UK to stage the show.2 days agoEngland2 days agoDutch museum finds beer can artwork in binThe artwork, which shows two dented beer cans on the floor, was thrown in a bin by a technician.2 days agoEurope3 days agoWNO chorus singers' strike stays paused for talksWNO Chorus singers's union says the pause on their strike action will continue.3 days agoWales4 days agoThe art of Johnson mum's psychiatric hospital stayBoris Johnson's mother Charlotte Johnson Wahl created the artwork as a patient 50 years ago.4 days agoLondon4 days agoGallery brings creativity to hospice careThe Turner Contemporary says it wants to break the stigma around end-of-life care.4 days agoKent5 days agoJohn Godber working on Hull's version of BrooksideThe playwright is hoping to bring a drama set and filmed in Hull to television.5 days agoEngland