ArtsThe shocking truth behind historic anatomical artFor 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.Why Wuthering Heights is so misunderstoodEver since it was published in the mid-19th Century, Emily Brontë's tale of passionate love and ruthless revenge has captivated fans and confounded critics in equal measure.Inside Switzerland'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.SpotlightThe climate change 'masterpiece' dividing readersVigil, the new novel from acclaimed writer and Booker Prize-winner George Saunders, centres on a dying oil tycoon and climate change denier. Why is it polarising critics so fiercely?See more Arts in MotionIn a pioneering new collaboration, the BBC – in partnership with Rolex – celebrates excellence in arts and culture. See moreAround the worldInside 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.A 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.The 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.Art 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.Seven of the greatest rivalries in art historyThe 'It Girl' style wars of Renaissance ItalyThe centuries-old origins of the witch's hatWhat ancient women really thought about sexWatchThe chair that took 10,000 hours to createThe Wangong Sedan Chair was an important tradition for China brides at the start of the 20th century. Discover the story behind its decadent design.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 stories15 mins ago100-year-old theatre usher celebrates by seeing showCilla Morris, who grew up in East Cowes, was treated to a performance of Miss Saigon in Southampton.15 mins ago29 mins agoGroup to help council on new cultural venueAn unnamed cultural company will redevelop Clair Hall in Haywards Heath to provide a four-screen cinema.29 mins ago42 mins agoCity dance group helps cancer patients get moving The Bollywood-themed dance group is helping people affected by cancer to exercise.42 mins ago7 hrs agoNFL team's logo links Super Bowl fans to indigenous rootsThe Super Bowl team's logo originates with a First Nations tribe in Canada.7 hrs ago14 hrs agoLight show to transform hall and gardensEntry time slots for the free show at Ayscoughfee Hall Museum and Gardens must be booked in advance.14 hrs ago16 hrs agoThe 'reclusive spinster' artist who shunned conformity and embraced freedomOn her 150th birthday, a new exhibition reveals the full power of the once-overshadowed painter.16 hrs ago1 day agoMemorial show keeps my son's memory alive, says mumConor Dowers, known as Banbury's Billy Elliot, died while under the care of a mental health trust.1 day ago1 day agoWhy wasn't Beryl Cook treated as a serious artist?Curators of a new exhibition of the artist's work say her images of Plymouth life are undervalued.1 day ago1 day agoArtist to work with students on new sculptureCharmaine Watkiss and Coventry students will make an artwork for her new exhibition in Walsall.1 day ago...
