Culture
Foreign policy and fado: An inside look at the Brazilian ambassador to the UK’s surprising new project
Antonio Patriota shares his views on art as a tool of soft power and the importance of music in his diplomatic journey.

Opinion

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Setting the stage
We meet the crew working in concert to make the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet sing.

The Opener
Kyrgyzstan’s flag row, Australia’s seal problem, US psychics and Italy’s generation strain.

Greek revival
Elefsina becoming European Capital of Culture has given its artistic offering a welcome boost – and shows the way ahead for other post-industrial outposts.

Art for the people
Cancel culture and collective hand-wringing has made the art world a rather serious place to work. Luckily the curator of Berlin's Haus der Kulturen der Welt is offering a novel way to see things.

The naked truth
Residents of Munich know how to dress impeccably – but some also know how to get undressed, outdoors and in the middle of the city. Monocle Films meets members of the German Association for…

Outpost News: Britain’s smallest radio station
Located in the northwestern corner of the Scottish Highlands, Gairloch is a coastal village of about 700 people that is known for its mountains, sea loch and rugged landscape. Monocle paid a visit to…

Inside the world’s largest costume company
Peris Costumes is the world’s largest company dedicated to selling and renting costumes for film, stocking more than 10 million garments. Monocle took a peek behind the scenes of its Madrid-based HQ to meet…

London: a runner’s perspective
Traffic-clogged and polluted London may not seem like a runner’s paradise. But there’s more to the city’s offerings than first meets the eye, with its windy streets, architectural variety and abundant greenery. We followed…

Design tours: The world’s best public housing?
The world is urbanising fast. But how do you accommodate people in cities in a way that offers dignity, affordability and a sense of community? Vienna may have a solution.

Desenrascanço: Portuguese problem-solving
Lisbon-based architect and artist Joana Astolfi takes us on a journey into the Portuguese word “desenrascanço”, meaning to find an improvised solution to a problem. She explains what it says about Portuguese culture and…
