On 18^th April 2026 the Victoria and Albert Museum open its doors at a brand-new location as one of the biggest gallery projects of the decade.

V&A East Museum is the sister site to V&A Storehouse, both sites have been part of the Mayor of London’s London 2012 Olympic legacy.

Entrance is free to all and seven days a week, from 10:00 to 18:00, with late night opening until 22:00 every Thursday and Saturday.

The first paid for exhibition will be one of the highlight exhibitions upon opening is The Music is Black: A British Story. There will be a sound experience by Sennheiser and Joan Armatrading’s childhood guitar will be one of many artifacts on display. The Museum guarantees a story of Black excellence, struggle and resilience that has shaped British culture.

There will be a partnership with BBC Music for a new annual festival exploring creativity, collaboration and community. The first of this will be The Music is Black Festival at East Bank on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This launches in Spring 2026.

Tickets for the exhibition Music is Black: A British Story will be made available in early 2026 from the Museum’s website – vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/the-music-is-black-a-british-story

For those wanting to spend some quality time abroad but are restricted by work: this splendid location takes into consideration the prospect of a workation.

Equipped with office space in specially set out centres, there is a convenience to this Austrian Resort set in the Großarltal Valley.

The backdrop of the Salzburg Mountains is just a taste of what this extraordinary place has to offer.

Taking the family to relax and unwind is just part of what can be experienced in this place.

The simple blend of work and vacation creates a new way of working remotely with soundproof Talky by VITRA workspaces complete with lots of natural daylight, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a serene atmosphere ideal for focus and creativity.

The rest of the family are then left to explore the hidden treasures of this picturesque area.

Gastronomy is at its highest level in the five-star restaurant and there is time to take a class or two including Reformer Pilates. There is the Nature Spa for those intending on thorough relaxation.

The Moar Gut Nature Resort is a place for the whole family, and it is ready for those guests wanting to work in a serene setting.

Rates start from €600 for a double room and up to €1,450 for a luxury suite, including gourmet full board and professional childcare.

For more information visit: Welcome to your hotel in Großarl Austria | moar gut

The luxurious, renowned resort is taking a different approach to festive activities this season: They have partnered with astronomer Aleks, for guided stories and telescope sessions for December and early January.

Positioned in a prime spot in this Maldivian hotel guests will discover constellations and distant galaxies from the unobstructed island shores.

Happening from 19^th December 2025 until 3^rd January 2026, there will be group, private and family sessions occurring for all ages.

To celebrate this romantic offering there will be champagne and caviar under the stars and dinners under the same theme.

Aleks comments: “InterContinental Maldives is the perfect place for stargazing, on a private island at the southern tip of the Raa Atoll with minimal light pollution and 360° ocean horizons. Due to the near-equatorial latitude we can see both northern and southern sky highlights in one night which is rare. December is a particularly good month as it is a monsoon transition time, so skies are often clearer and we are likely to see Orion, Canis Major, and Canopus, as well as zodiac constellations and even meteor showers!”

The resort also offers spectacular events such as gastronomic cooking by the world’s notable Michelin Star Chef, Tom Aikens, who will be focusing on a series of culinary experiences. This runs alongside art from Florence Super, physiotherapy from Emma Diani and Sharky & George for the children.

For further information visit: https://maldives.intercontinental.com/festive-season-2025-26/

The Canadian artist has brought together a collection of images that depict the storytelling of Google Street View since 2008.

The exhibition will be held at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art from 8^th October 2025, and the museum promises to show the humorous, the depressing, the glitchy and the acidic.

The archive touches on how the web affects modern lives. The collection is presented through photography, video and installation in a total scenography, also designed by the artist.

Mathias Ussing Seeberg, Louisiana, curator of the exhibition said: “The technology and the cameras don’t actually see anything despite the ‘nine eyes’ but are, according to Rafman, indifferent to what it photographs. Rafman’s project actually develops the images for the first time, which is similar to the time when you went to the darkroom to develop – and see – the images you had taken.”

The Google project started in 2007 and spanned many miles across over 100 countries. Cars were equipped with GPS and laser scanners photographing the landscapes of their national subjects. Over 200 billion photos exist after this mission.

What was caught on camera was not always straightforward imagery as somethings were picked up by the cameras which were not planned. Rafman worked on this mantra and said: “There are glitches in the technology that highlight how artificial Street View is – lucky little coincidences or accidents that create something beautiful. There are also the more hard-boiled, film noir-like scenes, like the man with the gun, the prostitute, the drunks, the whole seedy underbelly. There are romantic images and surreal, Jeff Wall-like images. There are ironic images, disgusting images, beautiful images and all the extremes of existence.”

For more information or to book tickets visit: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

In Croatia’s heart shaped peninsula lies the very land to take a post summer excursion.

During one of the region’s most popular seasons there is a wealth of things to do in this area. Take a bike ride round the borders of vineyard covered hills, hunt for truffles or harvest olives: There is something for everyone to do at this location.

The crisp Autumn air brings a flavour of events in this coastline shore. This will be enjoyed by many wanting a break in this province filled with colour and texture.

It aligns with a magical sense of rich offerings ending with the opportunity to taste Istria’s gastronomic feasts. Depicting the colours of the season, I quote there are “rust-toned pumpkins, ruby pomegranates, earthy mushrooms and the region’s famed black and white truffles all echo the landscape’s autumnal palette.’” These flavours leave a feeling of satisfaction of a menu full of variety and depth.

For those enthused with a passion for finding their own palette the Motovun Forest is one of the world’s most celebrated white truffle regions and in October and November they hold Truffle Zigante Days every weekend.

In a neighbouring location Fakin Winery make Malvasia and Teran wines and visitors can sample a product where the creators have been using traditional methods of wine making.

The landscape of adjacent small villages can be enjoyed on a route from Grdoselo to Zelengrad, this can be experienced by cyclists and hikers alike. This is along with an abandoned medieval town and picturesque waterfalls that sit in this location.

This is a getaway for those wanting to experience the Fall in a different landscape, while celebrating the charm of the season’s colours through food, wine and adventure. With direct flights from the UK to Pula throughout October, and convenient connections via Trieste from November, Istria remains both accessible and utterly transportive.

The Wyndham Duchally Country Estate in Perthshire is holding winter murder mystery events in its realm.

The diary date is on 13^th December and is titled ‘Feast your eyes on…Murder’. The night follows a chilling saga of murder in Mary Queen of Scots’ Christmas Court. It is predicted to entertain partakers with drama, food and fun.

The longest established murder mystery company in Scotland, Spirit of Glasgow, will provide entertainment, while food will come in a three-course meal.

Wyndham Duchally Country Estate is a Traitors inspired location set in the Scottish countryside with a close proximity to Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Scottish Highlands.

The hotel has 55 fully equipped lodges available for up to eight and it is a dog friendly location.

There are plenty of amenities on the estate: These include a leisure centre with an indoor pool and a gym.

Guests can enjoy an award-winning restaurant and bar and there is an opportunity to visit the Gatehouse Gin Distillery.

Other events in the festive season include: ‘Witch One Dunnit?’ on 30^th October, ‘The Christmas Tree Murder’ on 29^th November.

For booking or further information please visit: https://www.wyndhamduchally.com/murder-mystery/

Created by Malminder Gill, this concierge service is about the world’s most renowned hotels appreciating the art of sleep.

As one of the most sort after types of travel, sleep tourism is growing and its importance is precious to those who seek the best sleep experience.

With an authentic Five Cloud Scoring System, hotels are able to measure and deliver a better pattern of this truly restorative pleasure.

The programme explores the world’s best sleeps and comes from Malminder’s 15 years of advising celebrities, royals and high-profile clients on how to conduct the ultimate resting habits: she has for the past five years advised the hospitality industry on the subject of sleep.

Hotel brands including Belmond, Mandarin Oriental, and The Maybourne Group have all come aboard with this new movement, where Malminder has offered her influence.

“Sleep is now recognised as one of the cornerstones of wellbeing, and discerning travellers are increasingly seeking hotels that deliver more than comfort – they want spaces designed for deep, rejuvenating rest,” says Malminder Gill, The Sleep Concierge®. “Our Sleep Review equips hoteliers with the insights and tools to stand out in this rapidly growing area of travel and wellbeing.”

By ensuring every detail is not overlooked measurements are taken from the simplicity of factors such as acoustics and light to bedding and ambience.

The Sleep Review Program has already been adopted by some of the UK’s most prestigious properties, including The Savoy, The Pig, The Caledonian, and The Corinthia, each seeking to refine and showcase their commitment to world-class rest.

The Hotel Sleep Review Program includes the in-room review, a written assessment, and a 30-minute private consultation with Malminder Gill. Additional consultancy is available on request. For more information or to book, please visit: thesleepconcierge.co.uk

Two renowned designers have come together with their expertise to create a collaboration of rugs designed by Amy Kent and Lewis & Wood.

Amy worked for the Cotswold company in her twenties. It was a surprise to find Amy and Lewis & Wood close to each other’s stands at Decorex last year. This was the time that they decided to move forward with a partnership in design making an exceptional alliance.

Not long after, she visited their Mill in the Cotswolds. “It was intriguing watching Amy go through all the designs with her eye for a good rug and make very clear decisions on what she wanted. Now we’re revelling in the skill and work that has gone into the extraordinary results.” Magdalen Jebb, Creative Director, Lewis & Wood.

Now those designs have been transformed into rugs, ethically hand-knotted in Kathmandu in wool and art silk.

Amy Kent has worked with rugs for over twenty years and she has worked with a husband and wife team in India since the very start of her career. More recently she has combined these collaborations with a brother and sister team in Kathmandu.

Her upmost relationships with clients come alive when she visits their houses, she runs a bespoke tailor-made service.

Rugs are priced at £845/sqm inc. VAT, available at amykent.co.uk

After the groundbreaking discovery of the Titanic wreck in 1985 this free exhibition is open to the general public in Belfast from 1 September 2025.

The RMS Titanic was discovered in the expedition of Dr. Robert Ballard four decades ago. This pivotal exhibition marks a moment in maritime history.

On show during September 2025 this will guide visitors through when the team found the shipwreck and will also mark the discovery of Dr. Robert Ballard’s other iconic missions over the years, including the German battleship Bismarck, RMS Lusitania and the lost fleet of Guadalcanal.

Featuring in this display will be the National Geographic Explorer’s flag that travelled aboard the 1985 expedition ship, Knorr, when Titanic’s ship was first discovered. The same flag was also taken to the Scottish expedition in 1976 to Loch Ness to discover the truth on the mythical monster. This was the focal point on when the Titanic wreck was sought to be discovered.

The curators of the exhibition said: “The 40th anniversary of Titanic’s discovery offers a special opportunity to reflect and learn about one of the most significant moments in maritime history,” said Judith Owens MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast. “As the most authentic place to discover the history of the world-famous ship, we not only take great pride in telling its story, but also in celebrating the people behind it. We are proud to showcase the incredible work of Dr. Robert Ballard and his team, and share their fascinating journey to one of the world’s most remarkable discoveries.”

A special exhibition celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the discovery of the RMS Titanic wreck will be open to the public daily from 1^st – 30^th September. The free exhibition is located on Level 1 of Titanic Belfast, and for more information go to www.titanicbelfast.com.

Whether it is fashionable French gastronomy, authentic Japanese fare or adventurous Argentine cuisine, Monaco pulls all the flavours together with a new mix of openings this season.

Cédric Grolet: Monte-Carlo

The award winning pastry chef joins Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo for a feast of sweet treats from seasonal viennoiseries to poached flowers and refined cakes. These indulgent flavours can be enjoyed on the newly redecorated patio or in one of the hotel’s exclusive dining venues. Cédric Grolet is the new resident Executive Pastry Chef.

Le Café Lacoste

The theme of the crocodile is in the context of this new pop-up collaboration at Le Méridien Beach Plaza until 2026. Restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi is one of the creatives who has overseen this prestigious event. The interiors are made of the Lacoste green and terracotta setting the scene. Food comes in with delicious style including the C.L.U.B. sandwich with lemon mayo, alongside exquisite desserts such as The Crocodile pistachio creation.

Anahi Monaco

Argentine favourites including beef croquetas and empanadas to open-flame Wagyu Tomahawk are on the menu here and come with cocktails by mixologist Colin Field. This new restaurant comes after the famous Paris tenure. Anahi was designed by the renowned architect Cédric Capron. A new Monegasque magnet to pull in the Principality’s chic diner.

99 Sushi Bar

A waterfront terrace in the newly developed Mareterra district. Looking out on the marina, this is the perfect landscape for sun drenched lunches and starlit dinners in this unique setting. Cocktails are crafted in the restaurant’s Sunset Hour and are mixed with the vibe of this newly launched Japanese eatery.

Words cannot express the deliciousness of these new banqueting haunts. From one diner to another, these are the tastiest of gastronomic menus in Monaco’s ever-evolving Art de Vivre.

71 artists are to be exhibited at the Walker Art Gallery, along with the five painters selected in the shortlist for this prestigious award.

Ally Fallon

A graduate of the Manchester School of Art he displays his collection “If You Were Certain, What Would You Do Then?” An encounter of work that has had realistic images been made more abstract, the artist has said his pleasure lies in the making rather than the reaching. Fallon has previously exhibited in Manchester’s HOME, Cheshire’s The FG Gallery, and Boomer Gallery, London.

Davina Jackson

A past student of Central St Martins, The Byam Shaw School of Art, and completed postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy Schools. “Just Like It Was” is a creation of an intimate moment through landscape as both stage and metaphor, focusing on themes of memory, longing, and introspection according to the museum.  Jackson has had eight solo exhibitions in her past.

Katy Shepherd

Having studied fine art, her postgraduate studies in painting were at the Royal College of Art. “The Bedscape” is translated from a series of transformations from the artist’s bedding into a fantasy landscape. The Gallery writes: The painted duvets, moulded by nocturnal movements responding to a restless mind, reveal peaks, escarpments, and folds that offer an escape from reality through intimate domestic spaces. Past collections have been featured at Gothenburg Museum and Maidstone Museum.

Miranda Webster

A native New Zealand artist who graduated from L’Atelier de Sèvres, France, before studying at Beaux-Arts de Paris, this artist has her new work entitled “laid out”. This work depicts the journey of a B&Q bought tree taken home then deliberately letting it die, and to finish its life on a bathroom towel. The gallery writes that the work became a portrait, transforming an act of complicity in death into a practice of tenderness and care. Webster has previously shown in Paris, including at Glassbox and IESA.

Joanna Whittle

The Zambia born artist studied at Central St Martins, before gaining her master’s at the Royal College of Art. As a nominee for this prize she presents “Darkened Heart (a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth)” The Gallery writes that the work speaks to a quiet, almost unseen conflict between light and dark while searching for shelter somewhere in between, where light becomes an act of subversion and resilience.  Whittle won both the Harley Open Prize and the Contemporary British Painting Prize in 2019.

The first prize winner will be announced on 4 September, ahead of the exhibition’s opening weekend, with the winning artist receiving a first prize of £25,000 and the honour of joining an esteemed list of UK-based painters who have won the UK’s most prestigious painting prize over the past 68 years. The winning painting will be acquired by Walker Art Gallery and join its world-class collection, while the artist will also have a future solo exhibition at the gallery.

For further information visit: John Moores Painting Prize 2025 | National Museums Liverpool

From 21 August to 24 this literary event will be returning for the 14^th Edition. 56 Danish and International authors will be taking part in this celebrated event.

During this time there will be readings, interviews, conversations, concerts and performances.

Beginning in its setting in Humlebæk, there will be a collection of names making their contribution to this occasion. We mark just a taster in who is getting involved this year:

Maggie Nelson (b. 1973)

The American author will open this celebratory writers’ spectacular discussing her career from the 2015 book The Argonauts to her more recently launched novel Pathemata (2025). The philosophical inscription of her works will draw on her inspirations from a talk that does not stop there. As Nelson can also be seen on Saturday in conversation with French writer Neige Sinno (b. 1977) who is also to talk of her own book Sad Tiger in the Concert Hall on Friday at 12:30.

Hwang Sok-Yong (b. 1943)

The South Korean shortlisted for the 2024 International Booker Prize discusses his works from novel Mater 2-10. The author is notably one of his country’s greatest in his craft and has been imprisoned several times for his political activism. Hwang Sok-Yong can also be seen on Saturday afternoon in conversation with Australian Richard Flanagan (b. 1961).

Samantha Harvey (b. 1975)

British born Booker Prize-winning novelist will be presenting her work Orbital and then Six Sunrises, a book about six astronauts’ stay on a space station for sixteen days, was called “a miraculous event” by the prize committee. On Sunday, Harvey can be seen in conversation with Danish Solvej Balle (b.1962).

Louisiana are putting on a show of great works only to be visited by book worms of the modern era. For more information or tickets visit: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art