From Medieval Tapestries to Modern Art: Europe’s Must-See Cultural Highlights This Week

September is in full swing, and we’re embracing the autumn season with an exceptional lineup of events and releases that promise to deliver captivating experiences.

From the Bayeux Tapestry’s inaugural appearance in the UK in nearly a millennium, to the provocative artistry of Maurizio Cattelan, and the enchanting magic of Practical Magic 2, this week’s offerings inspire wonder and fascination.

Additionally, indie band Bloc Party releases a new album, while a compelling new teen drama arrives on Netflix—perfect for cozy evenings wrapped in blankets with a warm beverage nearby.

Continue reading to discover more.

Exhibitions and Events

Maurizio Cattelan: Night

When: 10 September – 7 March 2027

Where: Neue Nationalgalerie (Berlin, Germany)

Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan has established himself as a provocateur within the art world. From his infamous banana duct-taped to a wall, to a child-sized statue of Hitler in prayer, to an 18-karat gold (and fully functional) toilet installed at the Guggenheim—his works have sparked debate while often delivering humor, inspiration, and provocation. A recurring theme throughout his career explores the tensions between innocence and violence, and how we reconcile personal identities with collective historical memory. The Neue Nationalgalerie’s latest exhibition examines this focus, bringing together some of Cattelan’s most significant works alongside new and previously unseen commissions. Find out more here.

The Bayeux Tapestry

When: 10 September – 11 July 2027

Where: British Museum (London, UK)

Nearly 1,000 years ago, the Bayeux Tapestry was commissioned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux. It has not been displayed in Britain since—until now.

Following an unprecedented agreement with France, the 70-metre-long tapestry, which chronicles the events leading to the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, has been transferred to the British Museum. This represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for visitors to witness firsthand a remarkable piece of medieval history depicting one of the most consequential moments in England’s past. The UK government invested approximately €20 million to transport and exhibit the tapestry—a expenditure that appears justified by current ticket demand. Find out more here.

Bonus Highlight: Timeless Tintoretto, a showcase of works by Jacomo Robusti, opens at the Musée Jacquemart-André in Paris on 11 September.

Films

Practical Magic 2

Where: Cinemas

When: 11 September

Midnight margaritas, anyone? The iconic Owens sisters (Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman) return—28 years after their initial appearance in what has become a beloved classic among Halloween enthusiasts. The narrative centers on a centuries-old family curse: any man the witches fall in love with is fated to die. Although seemingly broken through collective love at the conclusion of the first film, the sequel explores its apparent resurgence as Sally’s (Bullock) daughters confront its consequences and discover their own magical abilities. Based on Alice Hoffman’s The Book of Magic, it delivers a nostalgic ’90s autumn ambiance—suburban streets, candlelit gatherings, black cats curled in laps—presenting a cinematic world where enchantment and female empowerment prevail.

To discover more upcoming film releases this autumn, explore our preview list here.

Bonus Highlight: A new documentary about Britpop band Oasis, Don’t Look Back in Anger, releases on 11 September. Stay tuned for our complete review later this week.

Television Series

Crew Girl

Where: Netflix

When: 10 September

Netflix’s new sports drama follows teenage elite rower Teagan Tao (Miku Martineau), who relocates to a small town with her mother following a family scandal. After joining an all-boys varsity crew as their coxswain, she finds herself navigating uncharted territory: being an outsider, school rivalries, romantic complications, and the emotional weight of grief. A nostalgic throwback to teen dramas of the late 2000s and early 2010s, it makes ideal binge-watching material as cooler evenings arrive.

Bonus Highlight: A police dispatcher (Patrick Brammall) embarks on an all-consuming search for his missing daughter in Apple TV+’s compelling new drama, Last Seen. Streaming begins 9 September.

Music

Bloc Party: Anatomy of a Brief Romance

When: 10 September

British indie band Bloc Party’s seventh studio album arrives after an almost four-and-a-half-year hiatus following their polarizing previous release, Alpha Games. Considerable changes have occurred in that period—particularly in lead vocalist Kele Okereke’s life. Following the conclusion of his 11-year relationship, he entered a whirlwind romance, the intensity of which serves as the foundation for the band’s newest songwriting. From the percussive energy of “Coming on Strong” to the intricate harmonies of “Love Bombs,” each track guides listeners through the emotional journey of falling for someone: from exhilarating infatuation to devastating disappointment to challenging but necessary revelations.

To discover more upcoming album releases this autumn, explore our preview list here.

Bonus Highlight: British musician Simon Charles Green, performing under the stage name Bonobo, releases his eighth studio album on 11 September, Distance in Static.

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