3 h. ago Champagne, celebs and artefacts: British Museum hosts first lavish ‘pink ball’ fundraiser

£2,000-a-ticket event, where 800 guests will hobnob among world’s treasures, could herald new reality in desperate arts funding climateThere will be champagne, of course, and dancing, fine Indian food served alongside the Parthenon marbles and cocktails mixed in front of the Renaissance treasures of the Waddesdon bequest. And everywhere – from the lights illuminating the Greek revival architecture, to the carpet on which guests arrive, to the glamorous outfits they are requested to wear – a very particular shade of pink.When the British Museum throws open its doors on Saturday evening for its first “pink ball”, it will not only be hosting an enormous and lavish party, but also inaugurating what its director, Nicholas Cullinan, has called a “flagship national event” that he hopes will become as important to his institution’s finances as it will to the London elite’s social calendar. Continue reading...

Politics

4 d. ago The war in Gaza is over, says Trump. Now who will be responsible for maintaining the peace? | Roy Schwartz

Israelis believe their interests are better served by Washington than Jerusalem. But will Trump and Netanyahu’s focus change now the hostages are home?Roy Schwartz is a senior editor and op-ed contributor at HaaretzThe streets of Tel Aviv felt empty this Monday morning. Apart from people rushing to work or walking their dogs, the place seemed relatively deserted. Even some of the most popular coffee spots had more vacant seats than occupied ones. This day feels like a holy day – not because it actually is one (it’s Simchat Torah Eve) – but because of the return of the last 20 living hostages from Hamas captivity. There was no need to ask where everyone was. Thousands had gathered in “Hostages Square” in Tel Aviv (formerly known as Museum Square – and who knows if that name will ever return). Others were glued to their television screens at home, as if it were the World Cup final. Thinking about it, the war’s final act trumps even that. Apparently, the sound of silence can be full of...

Politics

6 d. ago Restitution row: how Nigeria’s new home for the Benin bronzes ended up with clay replicas

The public display of artefacts looted by British colonial forces at the new Museum of West African Art was supposed to be the crowning glory of a decades-long restitution effort. What went wrong?In a corner of the new Museum of West African Art, visitors can marvel at a sample display of the cultural treasures that adorned the royal palace that once stood in its place: a proud cockerel, a plaque with three mighty warriors, a bust of a king with a glorious beaded collar.The artefacts, collectively known as the Benin bronzes, were looted by British colonial forces who went on to burn down the palace in a punitive expedition in 1897. In the decades that followed they were scattered across collections in Europe and America. Continue reading...

Politics

9 d. ago Mercedes F1 sponsor CEO issues apology for his actions on podium after George Russell win

Tengku Muhammad Taufik, chief executive of long-standing Mercedes F1 sponsor Petronas, caused a stir when he took part in champagne-soaked celebrations at the Singapore Grand Prix

Politics

1 week ago Glasgow museum to host iconic Barbie exhibition offering a 'joyful experience'

Barbie: The Exhibition, which first opened in London in 2024, will come to Glasgow next year to showcase the doll’s lasting influence

Politics

2 w. ago North Lanarkshire Council’s Music in the Museum series to host renowned pianist Karen MacIver

Taking place at Summerlee Museum on October 27, this evocative event will also mark the unveiling of a brand-new public piano, following the success of last year’s launch at Bellshill Cultural Centre.

Culture

2 w. ago Irvine's Scottish Maritime Museum announces children's workshops for upcoming school break

Museum will host free 'make and take' art drop-ins as well as a special children's drama workshop with author Maura McRobbie

Economics

2 w. ago The British Museum will host a glitzy ball to rival the Met Gala this October

The British Museum will host a glitzy ball to rival the Met Gala this October  Time Out Worldwide

Politics

2 w. ago Rory McIlroy and Team Europe's Ryder Cup celebrations – mocking Donald Trump to bus chant

Team Europe celebrated into the early hours as they enjoyed Champagne and mocked Donald Trump after a nail-biting Ryder Cup victory over Team USA

Politics

3 w. ago British Museum to hold inaugural fundraising ball with ‘Met Gala ambition’

The invite-only event will look to ‘celebrate London’s status as one of the world’s leading cultural capitals’.

Politics

3 w. ago Military Museum Scotland that hosts Battle of Waterloo artefacts warns of looming closure as future uncertain

Charity behind award-winning museum planning to close doors this winter

Events