Celestial art and Masters of the Universe: What to see, do or hear this week in Europe
If the recent heatwave had you unable to do anything but melt, moan and eat ice cream, here's hoping this new batch of suggestions can entice you back outside - or into an air conditioned venue. From...
If the recent heatwave had you unable to do anything but melt, moan and eat ice cream, here's hoping this new batch of suggestions can entice you back outside - or into an air conditioned venue.
From exhibitions celebrating the centenary of Marlyn Monroe's birth to '80s superheroes powering up the big screen, here's what to see, do and listen to this week.
Exhibitions
The Sun and The Moon: Art Inspired by the Celestial
When: 5 June - 8 September 2026
Where: Saatchi Gallery (London, UK)
Throughout history, humans have always looked to the moon and stars for guidance, meaning, and inspiration. Celestial art in particular has come to represent cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs that continue to mesmerise generations with an aesthetic magic. The Saatchi Gallery celebrates this through a expansive new exhibition, which spans nine rooms and unfolds via a 24-hour cycle that takes visitors from dawn to daylight. Alongside witnessing major sculptures and installations, you'll find yourself enveloped in a sensory experience that takes you to the moon and back. Find out more here.
Marilyn Monroe
When: Until 26 July 2026
Where: La Cinémathèque française (Paris, France)
Several exhibitions are popping up this year in tribute to Hollywood's most famous blonde bombshell, who was born 100 years ago this month. Best-known for her glamour and beauty, Monroe was also an incredibly talented artist and intelligent person, who knew how to mould herself for the standards of the time - but suffered immensely because of it. La Cinémathèque française looks beyond the actress's surface level iconographies and instead delves into the nuances of her career and complex inner-life. Find out more here.
Bonus highlight: Argentine conceptual artist Leandro Erlich and his dizzying optical illusions are being celebrated at the Grand Palais in Paris.
Movies
Masters of the Universe
Where: Cinemas
When: 5 June
Following the success of Barbie, it was only a matter of time until we saw the Mattel Cinematic Universe screaming: "By the power of Grayskull... I have the power!"
Masters of the Universe brings the mega franchise, best known for its delightfully kitsch '80s cartoon series, back to the big screen. After being beamed back to his home planet of Eternia, Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) - a magical sword-wielding superhero also known as He-Man - finds himself battling against the evil rule of a sassy-tongued Skeletor (Jared Leto). Let's just hope that the latter's casting doesn't spell doom...
Bonus highlight: Scary Movie was one of the biggest spoof movie franchises of the 2000s, but how will its humour translate in 2026? We'll find out soon, as the sixth installment hits cinemas on 5 June.
TV series
Cape Fear
Where: Apple TV+
When: 5 June
Based on the 1962 film of the same name (which was later made into the 1991 movie starring Robert De Niro), Cape Fear sees the tale of vengeful convict Max Cady expanded into a miniseries. The plot centres around an attorney couple, Anna (Amy Adams) and Tom Bowden (Patrick Wilson) - both of whom played a part in putting Cady (Javier Bardem) away. As a cat-and-mouse chase ensues, tension rises and marital secrets come to light in this dark and twisty psychological thriller that's sure to have you glued to your seat.
Bonus highlight: For a lighthearted chaser to the above, the second season of Tina Fey's friendship comedy The Four Seasons is out now on Netflix.
Music
Death Cab for Cutie: I Built You a Tower
When: 5 June
Death Cab were one of the defining sounds of indie/alternative rock that took over radios and MySpace pages in the 2000s. Founded by lead vocalist Ben Gibbard, the five-piece have released ten studio albums in the last 28 years, with their last - 'Asphalt Meadows' - out four years ago. While not a huge hiatus, for some millennial emos, it's felt like a lifetime. Thankfully 'I Built You a Tower' promises to be as emotionally intense as ever, exploring themes of trauma, grief and navigating growth through pain. Dim the lights and dab your eyes - we will follow you into the dark.
Bonus highlight: American pop star Lizzo is back with more sonic sass for her fifth studio album, 'Bitch'. It's out on 5 June - just in time for slipping off any insecurities ahead of summer.
