ArtsWhy this banana was sold for $6m at an auction By sticking a banana to a wall with duct tape and calling it art, Maurizio Cattelan created one of the greatest cultural debates of recent times.14 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.'A literary assassination': How novel Life of M sparked a Hollywood scandalControversy is swirling around Rachel Cusk's new novel and its movie-star protagonist named "M". Why the fuss – and could the character be based on Natalie Portman?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 historyPower, 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.The 1920s paintings that changed how the world saw Canada A history of art in seven coloursThe image that fuelled the American RevolutionDocumentariesInside the Mind of Agatha ChristieAncient Treasures with Bettany HughesBritain's Hidden HeritageRenaissance: The Blood and the BeautyVersailles: The Dream of a KingAmanda and Alan's Italian JobAround the worldThe women who redefined colourFive years before Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Theory of Colours, the English artist Mary Gartside published her own challenge to the ideas of Isaac Newton, writes Kelly Grovier.Whales 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.The Korean island in love with sexSouth Korea's Jeju Island is breaking traditional taboos with not one but two museums entirely dedicated to sex.10 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.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 stories9 hrs agoCellist Jacqueline du Pre's belongings fetch £52kThis was the first of two auctions of the cellist's "incredibly personal" belongings.9 hrs ago12 hrs agoWatch: Queen Elizabeth II sculpture unveiledThe artwork stands at Romsey Abbey's north churchyard.12 hrs ago13 hrs agoSmall Welsh football club's victory over Italian giants brought to life on stageMerthyr Tydfil's first leg victory over Atalanta came while English sides were banned from European football.13 hrs ago19 hrs agoTravelling telephone box tells town's storiesA red telephone box which plays audio monologues from people in Barnsley is setting off on a tour.19 hrs ago1 day agoVisitors to get a glimpse inside design studio saved from ruinThe building near Selkirk has been called one of the most significant modernist buildings in Scotland.1 day ago1 day agoArtist creates cars filled with water to show tideDavid Cotterrell's installation has the water level in the cars change in tune with the tides.1 day ago2 days agoPublic touched by artist's portrait of dying fatherVincent Michael Brown says painting his father dying was "about as emotional as it gets".2 days ago2 days agoFrom Star Wars to Banksy, the art is with you at new Lucas Museum The museum, founded by Star Wars creator George Lucas and his wife, will feature more than 1,200 works of art.2 days ago2 days agoWhat famous scenes are in the epic Bayeux Tapestry?The 70m (230ft) tapestry, which tells the story of the Norman Conquest and the Battle of Hastings in 1066, will be on display the British Museum.2 days ago3 days agoTheatre's concern as football pitch set to be approvedBrighton Open Air Theatre says football pitches planned nearby would disrupt performances.3 days ago4 days agoAlan Carr immortalised in street art festivalJames Thompson says more than 360 artists contributed to the three-day street art event.4 days ago4 days agoAcross Latin America, 'aura battles' burst onto the sceneYoung people across Latin America are taking part in the contests where participants compete to prove who has the most charisma.4 days ago4 days agoRare footage and photos bring city's past to lifeCoventry Then & Now will feature archive photos, rare cathedral films and contemporary images.4 days ago5 days agoThe dance group helping with addiction and mental health strugglesThe dancers are preparing to perform a sold-out show at the Royal Opera House in London.5 days ago5 days agoThe eye-catching sculptures found across the WestFrom the M5 Willow Man to Cary Grant, the area is home to a variety of figures.5 days ago...