Culture
15 brilliant books to gift your friend who has ‘read everything’
A selection of beautifully written and lovingly designed books that we would gladly unwrap at any time of year.
Latest in Monocle Radio
Latest
How Greenland is investing in its film industry to tell its own stories
By investing in its emerging film industry, Greenland is seeking to reclaim ‘narrative sovereignty’.
Why Greece still turns to TV legend Christina Souzi for the weather forecast
Whatever the weather, television forecaster and meteorologist Christina Souzi is one of Greece’s most recognisable personalities.
Good on paper: How ‘La Settimana Enigmistica’ became Italy’s iconic puzzle staple
‘La Settimana Enigmistica’ has been Italians’ puzzle magazine of choice for almost a century. Its editor, Alessandro Bartezzaghi, explains why.
Essential reading: There’s plenty to learn in our September Education Special
Working on our Education Special has taken Andrew Tuck back in time to his formative years in journalism, before AI reared its ugly head – or, the internet ruled all. Notebooks open, please, class...
A new chapter for Berlin’s Stabi, as a decade-long overhaul seeks to restore Scharoun’s civic landmark
We settle down in the spacious reading room of Berlin’s beloved public library, as it undergoes a renovation that will finally deliver on its 1960s ideals.
How the art world repackaged ‘cross-category collecting’ as a clever new trend
Buyers are bidding on old masters as well as postmodern pieces – sometimes at the same auction. But hasn’t it always been this way?
Lisbon’s Gulbenkian Museum reopens after renovation, with its original vision restored
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum’s architecture is almost as celebrated as the artworks held within. A recently completed major renovation has restored the museum to its original glory.
How Portuguese band Napa turned a Eurovision flop into 143 million streams
With the most-streamed song from last year’s Eurovision and a new album on the horizon, Portuguese band Napa are on their way to stardom.
‘We can’t make a newspaper for people with heart problems’: Folha de São Paulo defends independent journalism
Folha de S Paulo has been one of Brazil’s leading daily newspapers for over a century. Editor in chief Sérgio Dávila discusses its evolution, the importance of diversity and why AI won’t replace journalists.
The Basque art museum with big ambitions
Home to one of the finest old master collections in France, Bayonne’s Musée Bonnat-Helleu has finally reopened after a 14-year renovation. Its new director wants to spark a cultural renaissance.
