From medieval beginnings, the samurai have inspired art, fiction and films, from Shōgun to Star Wars. But the truth about them is more complex and surprising than we might realise.
For centuries, real dead bodies inspired great artists and science illustrators alike. A new exhibition reveals the dark stories behind these cadavers – and how they were acquired.
The Abbey Library of St Gallen is a Baroque hall of globes, manuscripts and curiosities that has survived, improbably, for 1,300 years.
These design masterworks reveal the origins of Scandi style – and they all emerge from a distinctive vision of "soft modernism" that still influences how we live now.
Was 16th-Century aristocrat Jane Boleyn a treacherous, "sex-mad" spy – or was she a convenient scapegoat? A new book explores her story.
Her 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.
Dozens 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.
You can find many different playlists for dogs and cats online. However, not all styles of music are effective.
Alfred Hitchcock's grisly horror might not have become a classic without composer Bernard Herrmann's disturbing score.
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.
After 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.
Miloš Forman's best picture-winning Amadeus is often accused of historical inaccuracies – but the film's critics could be missing the point.
Greek-American soprano Maria Callas, hailed as one of the greatest singers in operatic history, remains an icon for young performers today.
The Great Wave is a new work for Scottish Opera by composer Dai Fujikura and librettist Harry Ross.
A Penang-based street artist says his work has been "reproduced" as part of a livery on an aircraft
The drawing is an original 1852 design for the Duke's funeral carriage, approved by Prince Albert.
St George's Guildhall is being redeveloped as an international arts attraction.
Grimsby Auditorium agrees to remove bacon and sausages from its café menu during the show's run.
Ricky Wilson will feature in the next series of BBC Arts show Extraordinary Portraits.
The items stolen in the late 19th Century by British troops will officially be returned to Nigeria.
Matthew Wright has spent more than a year working on an ink sketch of the Bailgate area of Lincoln.
