Europe This Week: Your Culture Hitlist

Arts and Culture Calendar: Autumn Highlights Across Europe

As the days shorten and a crispness fills the air, the desire to retreat indoors might be strong. However, a vibrant array of cultural offerings across Europe provides ample reason to resist the urge to hibernate. From groundbreaking exhibitions to must-see films and anticipated music releases, this season is brimming with opportunities for exploration and engagement.

Exhibitions and Events: A Journey Through Art, Craft, and Style

• ART.HAND.WORK:

  • Dates: September 19th – February 1st, 2026
  • Location: The National Museum, Oslo, Norway
  • This exhibition celebrates the artistry and innovation of handmade objects, showcasing over 100 works by more than 90 international, Nordic, and Sámi artists. The diverse range of mediums includes glass, metal, wood, ceramics, textiles, and video. Organized around six central themes such as "Recycling" and "Craft Traditions," the exhibition explores how crafting connects us to the past and present, shaping cultural identities and visions of a more sustainable future. From knitted figures to pendants crafted from ceramic shards and mugs repurposed from old cans, the exhibition promises a captivating glimpse into the world of contemporary craft.

• Art Car Boot Fair: Comedy & the Comic!

  • Date: September 20th
  • Location: London, UK
  • This unique event offers a playful twist on the traditional flea market. Rather than the usual assortment of second-hand goods, visitors can expect to discover art treasures from established and emerging artists. Previous events have featured stalls hosted by renowned artists like Tracey Emin and Sir Peter Blake. This year's fair boasts an impressive lineup, including British comedy icon Vic Reeves, celebrated illustrator Mr. Doodle, and iconic photographer Rankin, alongside over 100 other artists. The event promises a joyful blend of performances and the opportunity to meet and purchase art directly from the creators.

• Marie Antoinette Style:

  • Dates: From September 20th until March 2026
  • Location: V&A South Kensington, London, UK
  • This exhibition at London’s V&A Museum delves into the life and sartorial influence of Marie Antoinette, France’s most stylish queen. "Marie Antoinette Style" presents a comprehensive collection of artifacts, ranging from her delicate silk slippers and dazzling jewels to previously unseen items like a toilette case. An immersive scent experience allows visitors to experience Antoinette’s favorite perfume. Furthermore, contemporary clothing from designers like Vivienne Westwood traces Antoinette’s enduring impact on aesthetics and culture.

• Bonus Exhibition Highlights: London's Design Museum unveils 'Blitz: The club that shaped the 80s,' while the V&A East Storehouse presents a new David Bowie archive.

Cinematic Experiences: From Chilling Fantasies to Bold Journeys

• The Ice Tower:

  • Release Date: September 17th
  • Location: French cinemas
  • This fantasy film, directed by French filmmaker Lucile Hadžihalilović, is an adaptation of a Hans Christian Andersen fairytale. Starring Marion Cotillard as Cristina Van Der Berg, a domineering actress, the film explores a complex relationship with a young actress, Jeanne (Clara Pacini), during a production of The Snow Queen. The film delves into themes of obsession, identity, and youth, creating an eerie and thought-provoking experience.

• Bonus Film Highlight: A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, arrives in cinemas on September 19th.

Television: Intrigue and Drama on the Small Screen

• The Morning Show:

  • Release Date: September 17th
  • Platform: Netflix
  • The Emmy-winning series, inspired by Brian Shelter's book Top of the Morning, returns for its fourth season. Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon reprise their roles as TV anchor Alex Levy and field reporter Bradley Jackson, respectively. The series explores the complex interpersonal relationships and scandals that simmer beneath the surface of television production. This season welcomes Marion Cotillard and Jeremy Irons, as a merged newsroom exposes tensions between truth and sensationalism in a world increasingly shaped by deepfakes.

• Bonus TV Highlight: Black Rabbit, a series centered around the troubled relationship between brothers Jake (Jude Law) and Vince (Jason Bateman), who once ran a luxury club/restaurant together, streams on Netflix from September 18th.

Music: Highly Anticipated Releases

• Cardi B: Am I the Drama?

  • Release Date: September 19th
  • Seven years after her Grammy-winning debut album, 'Invasion of Privacy,' Cardi B is set to release her highly anticipated sophomore album. The album includes her hit single 'WAP', a collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion, and 2021's 'Up'. The album title reportedly references the intense scrutiny and scandals Cardi B has faced throughout her career.

• Bonus Music Highlights: Motion City Soundtrack’s ‘The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World’ and Nine Inch Nails’ Tron: Ares OST are both being released on September 19th.