Art & Design'It doesn't feel like a toilet' - public loos turned into trendy spacesPublic conveniences have become houses, a theatre, shops and bars across the country.See moreLatest headlinesExhibition spotlight's Hastings fishing community12 hrs agoTate Britain to return painting looted by Nazis20 hrs agoCultureIndian mural that spent decades on Norwegian hospital wall sells for record $13.8m24 hrs agoAsia'Amazing' Cornish women in frame at new exhibition1 day agoCornwallWhy the quaint paintings of Thomas Kinkade divided the US1 day agoCultureFeaturesThe pioneering building that scandalised ParisThe Pompidou Centre was derided by many when its design was first unveiled – yet its influence has been huge. As a renovation approaches, its co-creator Renzo Piano recalls the furore.2 days agoCultureThe ancient forest that supports VeniceMost modern structures are built to last 50 years or so, but ingenious ancient engineering has kept this watery city afloat for more than 1,600 years – using only wood.4 days agoFutureThe surprising story of Van Gogh's guardian angelAt the toughest time of his life, the painter was supported by an unlikely soulmate, Joseph Roulin, a postman in Arles. It was a friendship that would benefit art history.18 Mar 2025CultureThe 'sexy' tale that became a medieval blockbusterIn 11th-Century England, a dark-skinned saint with a promiscuous past became a boundary-breaking cultural and religious icon. A new study is hoping to reassert her place in history.14 Mar 2025CultureWhy these 70s cabins are the perfect holiday homeThese simple, Scandi-style homes were built in the UK during a worldwide boom in stripped-down holiday houses.13 Mar 2025CultureAn Italian cultural ambassador's guide to RomeAlberto Angela has made a career out of exploring his hometown. Here are his favourite spots to unearth Rome's millennia of secrets, from the Vatican Museums to Ostia Antica.12 Mar 2025TravelWatchA look inside Michelangelo's 'secret room'The BBC gets access to Michelangelo's 'secret hiding room' under the Medici Chapel in Florence.2 Nov 2024Art & DesignStriking images capturing the 'dark underbelly of America'Why legendary crime photographer Weegee offers a crucial lens to understand the American psyche.16 Oct 2024Art & DesignHow a mythical symbol is inspiring Turkish artistsThe Shahmaran, or "ruler of the snakes", is a mythical figure that is popular in Turkish folklore and seen by some as a good luck symbol.12 Jul 2024Art & DesignThe hidden world behind Claude Monet's artFind out how the rich culture of Normandy in Northern France inspired one of the world's greatest artists.29 Jun 2024Art & DesignThe Lebanese artist championing vegan silkArt critic Alastair Sooke learns about a modern designer's take on Doha's Museum of Islamic Art's collection.20 Dec 2023Art & DesignWhat do we mean when we talk about 'Islamic art'?Art critic Alastair Sooke travels to Doha to discover some of the treasures of the Museum of Islamic Art.19 Dec 2023Art & DesignThe Doha Hind: The charming 10th-Century garden ornamentArt critic Alastair Sooke learns about a decorative 10th-Century treasure at Doha's Museum of Islamic Art.19 Dec 2023Art & DesignBlue 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 & DesignTaiwan's last cinema poster painterPartially blind, he vows to continue until he can no longer see.9 Nov 2023ArtOtherworldly photos of an Arctic cityPhotographer Elena Chernyshova explores what it’s like to live in a city 400km north of the Arctic Circle.9 Nov 2023Art & DesignThe renegade artists of a lawless desert townDeep in the Sonoran Desert, an off-grid community are creating art in 'the last free place in America'.9 Nov 2023Art & DesignThe beautiful homes made from bambooCould bamboo be the future of sustainable architecture?9 Nov 2023Art & Design60 years of African-American life in picturesIconic photographer Frank Stewart captured key moments in history: from Fidel Castro the to the stars of jazz.9 Nov 2023Art & DesignThe naked portrait covered up for centuriesArtemisia Gentileschi: Revealing the true beauty of a censored painting.3 Nov 2023ArtShould we all live in '15-minute cities'?We explore a different model of city life, where everything is on your doorstep.20 Jul 2023DesignWhat’s behind Mona Lisa’s indescribable smile?Art critics explain why people see Mona Lisa’s smile in different ways.19 May 2023ArtThe dark history of Comuna 13Comuna 13 is a thriving hub of graffiti artists, music and culture. But it hasn't always been this way.30 Nov 2022Art & DesignChromophobia: Who stole the colour from classical art?The way we see ancient Greek and Roman sculpture isn't actually the way it was first created.6 Sep 2022ArtThe world's oldest tattoo parlourThe Razzouk family are tattoo artists whose history of inking Christian pilgrims stretches back over 700 years.10 Jun 2022ArtInside the stunning 'new Athens' of Central EuropeJože Plečnik transformed the city of Ljubljana into a 'Slovenian Acropolis'.16 Mar 2022DesignLatest in art and design1 day agoMural highlights importance of fresh water access The design was unveiled at Cabot Circus in Bristol to celebrate World Water Day.1 day agoBristol2 days agoMini murals created to celebrate county's folkloreArtists paint designs on bollards, phone cabinets and street furniture to brighten up Shrewsbury.2 days agoShropshire2 days agoGallery calls for artworks for open exhibitionThe annual exhibition is a highlight of Hull's art scene and attracts thousands of people.2 days agoHull & East Yorkshire3 days agoPublicly funded gallery 'turning its back on art'A gallery designed to display the work of Graham Sutherland is accused of turning its back on art.3 days agoWales5 days agoNeedle felter shows work in hobby exhibitionMandy Smith, from Tipton, makes wool models of animals and figures in different settings.5 days agoEngland5 days agoArt charity 'delighted' as 25-year lease grantedThe Charleston Trust's pop-up cultural centre, Charleston in Lewes, was launched in 2023.5 days agoSussex6 days agoArt exhibition aims to address 'ignored histories'Jessica Ashman says she wants people to rethink how some artefacts were gathered in the Caribbean.6 days agoBristol7 days agoHow a scientist hopes her art will help save birdsAfter inclusion in a major exhibition, scientist Sara Cox shares the message behind her bird art.7 days agoEngland7 days agoArtist's exhibition shortlisted for global awardJason Wilsher-Mills' work was shown at the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull.7 days agoHull & East Yorkshire...