On the peaks of the Andes or in the scorching desert heat, from as early as 2500 b.C., the populations of Perù gave life to blossoming civilisations, until the arrival of Europeans in the XVI Century. In occasion of the bicentennial of Peruvian independence, the British Museum celebrates the South American’s millennial culture with a grand exhibition. From the first indigenous people to the refined Incas, discover how the civilisations of the past developed in symbiosis with some of the most inhospitable environs of the planet, shaping remarkable living landscapes. The weather, agriculture, economy and systems of government are just some of the spheres in which Perù has expressed the uniqueness of its culture. This exhibition at the London museum offers a detailed analysis in an itinerary that moves from history to religion, highlighting the cultural conquests that, one by one, transformed the lives of the local population. Helping narrate are archeological finds chosen from the collection of the British Museum or brought in from Perù for the occasion. On display, ceramics, textiles, ritual accessories, jewellery and objects hewn from precious metals, but also photos and videos from iconic sites like Nazca and Machu Picchu, still-vivid witnesses to the splendour of Andean culture.
At London’s National Maritime Museum, the exhibition Pirates dismantles myths and legends to reveal the real history of piracy. Through flags, maps, and costumes, it moves beyond the romantic image to uncover a world of routes, trade, and rebellion across the seas.
The Great Contemporary Theatre of Gilbert & George
The Hayward Gallery hosts a major retrospective of Gilbert & George, featuring over sixty works from 2000 to the present. Bold photo collages, vivid colours, and provocative texts trace twenty-five years of radical art. A deep dive into urban society through the irreverent lens of the iconic British duo.
At the Royal Academy, A Story of South Asian Art explores Mrinalini Mukherjee’s work and her creative circle, including her mentors and colleagues. Through her textile sculptures and site-specific connections, the exhibition redefines contemporary sculpture with roots in South Asian Modernism.
At the Royal Opera House, Andrei Șerban’s visionary staging of Puccini’s masterpiece returns. Amid timeless arias and striking visuals, the ice princess finally exposes her humanity.