Culture
The radical notion of the ‘Mediterranean spirit’ and why we need it now more than ever
Novelist Albert Camus had it right: happiness lies in living in harmony with our surroundings. But what can this idea teach us about finding human connections in cities today?
Latest in Monocle Radio
Latest
Interview: ‘L’Express’ CEO Alain Weill on rebuilding France’s iconic news brand
‘L’Express’ is turning a corner. The man at the helm shares his vision for a bold European edition, as well as plans to reinvigorate the magazine from a global perspective.
Novel approach: Casa del Libro, the Spanish bookseller taking on Amazon overseas
Casa del Libro prides itself on democratising literature and elevating the book-buying experience. Now it’s expanding across the country and competing with major corporations worldwide.
Cultural bridges: Vatican-Saudi art exchange and Seoul’s immersive comics library
This month on the cultural stage, The Vatican loans masterpieces to Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Arts Biennale, while Seoul’s new Graphic library offers a stylish, immersive haven for comic- and art-book lovers.
Strength of character: How the Moomins grew to a €680m business with high-fashion collaborations
How Finland’s loveable trolls turned into a global brand.
State of the art: Six important new museums to visit in 2025
Seeking cultural inspiration? 2025 is the start of a new wave of museum openings, from a gallery-hotel hybrid in Lisbon to a celebration of West African art in Nigeria.
Opinion
Swipe less to see more: The importance of experiencing culture in person cannot be downplayed
10 min read
The Pentax 17 film camera is bringing a digital generation back to analogue
Smartphones have changed the way we take pictures. But Pentax thinks that there is still a place for the tactile pleasures of manual photography. The solution? A phone-inspired film camera.
How screens have rewired our brains – and why putting pen to paper matters
Handwriting might be being written off but don’t follow the script. Here’s why a pen and paper can offer salvation.
“I despise the idea of comfort for an artist” – Audrey Diwan on eroticism in film
With her feature, ‘Emmanuelle’, on release and a seat on France’s Oscar committee, the auteur and director is likely to raise even more eyebrows in 2025.
Interview: Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres on bringing resilience to life in ‘I’m Still Here’
Acclaimed Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres’s role in ‘I’m Still Here’ is captivating audiences worldwide. Here she discusses portraying Eunice Paiva, Brazilian cinema and why this story feels more relevant than ever.
