Gracie Abrams, 'The Odyssey' and silhouettes: What to see, do or hear this week in Europe
From Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' and Gracie Abrams' third album to the Tate Modern showcasing the works of influential Cuban-American artist Ana Mendieta - here's what to look out for this week.
This week is shaping up to be an exciting one for history lovers.
Whether you're eager to watch a film inspired by a 3,000-year-old epic poem or attend a concert at one of the Roman Empire's most remarkable surviving venues, this week's cultural calendar offers a chance to explore history in new and unexpected ways.
Here are our top picks for the week:
Exhibitions
Ana Mendieta
When: 15 July 2026 - 17 January 2027
Where: Tate Modern (London, UK)
The award-winning Cuban-American multidisciplinary artist Ana Mendieta will be showcased at Tate Modern in London for the first time. The exhibition will feature 120 works - from photographs and paintings to sculptures and remastered films - all related to the artist's exploration of her body silhouette in the natural world. The exhibition will be presented across several museum spaces, taking visitors on a journey through Mendieta's life and artistic exploration. Find out more here.
Beyond the Streets: The Legends of Street Art and Graffiti
When: Runs until 30 August 2026
Where: Grande Halle de La Villette (Paris, France)
Graffiti is not vandalism but art - and that is exactly what is being showcased across the 3,600 m² exhibition space at the Grande Halle de La Villette in Paris. The exhibition features more than 100 world-renowned artists, archival documents and, of course, historic and unique murals. Ticket holders are invited to purchase limited-edition merchandise featuring the artists' works. Find out more here.
Bonus highlight: If you are in Paris until 20 July 2026, it's your last chance to see the "Michelangelo and Rodin: Living Bodies" exhibition. The exhibition is an exceptional collaboration between the Louvre Museum and the Musée Rodin, bringing together 200 works by the two renowned artists. Find out more here.
Events
The Benicàssim International Festival (FIB)
When: 16 - 18 July 2026
Where: Benicàssim (Spain)
There are still plenty of tickets going for stellar European music festivals - one of which is the Benicàssim International Festival in Spain. The line-up features musicians from a wide range of genres - from pop and rock to electronic and indie. Don't sleep on nabbing a last-minute ticket, available on the festival's website. Find out more here.
Les Nuits de Fourvière
When: Runs until 25 July 2026
Where: Lyon (France)
The 80th edition of Les Nuits de Fourvière continues at the historic venue in Lyon. While tickets for Lorde, Charlotte Cardin and Asaf Avidan are no longer available, there are still availabilities for concerts like Wet Leg, 'The Köln Concert' by Keith Jarrett, and many others. Euronews Culture has compiled a list of artists worth seeing this year. Don't say we don't treat you.
Movies
The Odyssey
When: 17 July 2026
Where: Cinemas worldwide
It's the blockbuster event everyone will be talking about all summer - Christopher Nolan's adaptation of Homer's Greek epic poem. Hype surrounding The Odyssey is already sky high - despite a few controversies along the way, courtesy of Elon Musk and "daddy" issues. The film stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and Robert Pattinson, to name but a few. We can't wait and are equally excited about the soundtrack by award-winning composer Ludwig Göransson. Stay tuned for our full review of the movie.
TV Series
Lucky
When: 15 July 2026
Where: Apple TV
Apple TV's exclusive series stars Anya Taylor-Joy as Lucky, who is on the run from the FBI and a crime boss following an unsuccessful heist. Based on Marissa Stapley's novel, the show's first two episodes will be available on 15 July 2026, with the remaining episodes released on a weekly basis.
Bonus highlight: Amazon Prime's action-comedy Ride or Die tells the story of two best friends, played by Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer. During their road trip across Europe, they are confronted by trained assassins, criminals and law enforcement. The series will be released internationally on 15 July 2026.
Music
Gracie Abrams - Daughter From Hell
American singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams is set to release her third album, 'Daughter From Hell', on 17 July. The album is produced by Aaron Dessner, who also worked on the singer's previous albums. "It's the introduction to this new chapter, and I feel grateful and relieved that this is the introduction," Abrams said at the Met Gala. The two lead singles, 'Hit The Wall' and 'Look at My Life', are already available and are mighty promising.
Bonus highlight: Trip-hop legend Tricky releases his first album in six years, 'Different When It's Silent', on 17 July. The first single, 'Out Of Place', is already available to enjoy across all streaming platforms.
