Viral Hippo Sparks Holiday Cheer: This Week’s Top Arts and Culture Highlights
The festive season is emerging with Christmas adverts appearing everywhere. A viral hippo has released a song.
This time of year can feel eerie. However, cozy festive markets bring warmth across Europe. New exhibitions, films, TV series, and music keep things lively.
This week, look out for a new exhibition exploring Africa’s cultural history in Germany, never-before-seen Picasso prints at the British Museum, and a display featuring Italian Renaissance masters at The Royal Academy.
The film adaptation of Wicked arrives in cinemas on 22 November. The London Palestine Film Festival and UK Jewish Film Festival also start this weekend. Jacques Audiard’s award-winning Emilia Pérez streams on Netflix, along with Hot Frosty, where Lacey Chabert plays a widow who magically brings a snowman to life.
Until next time, enjoy!
Exhibitions
Table of Contents
Simon Berger: ‘Monuments’ at Underdogs Gallery (Lisbon, Portugal)
Swiss artist Simon Berger creates art by breaking glass. This exhibition, his first solo show in Portugal, honors architects he admires. It showcases 17 new works using glass bricks, highlighting light, aesthetics, and functionality. The exhibition runs until 28 December.
‘Looks Delicious! Exploring Japan’s food replica culture’ at Japan House (London, UK)
In Japan, restaurants use shokuhin sanpuru, realistic food replicas, to attract customers. This exhibition at Japan House explores this unique culture and displays stunning replicas. Visitors will gain insight into the craftsmanship behind these creations.
Events
‘2024 Eurochocolate Festival’ (Perugia, Italy)
After the Salon du Chocolat in Paris, the Eurochocolate Festival takes place in Perugia until 24 November. It features chocolate-themed activities, including a chocolate kebab, liquors, and local chocolate factory tours. Enjoy nine days of chocolate indulgence.
‘Iconic 80, 90, 00’s Festival’ at Carreau du Temple (Paris, France)
This immersive event in Paris runs until 1 December. Attendees can enjoy Rubik’s Cubes, karaoke, and displays of iconic objects from each decade. Watch cult TV and film moments while enjoying an old-school food court.
Movies
Gladiator II
After 24 years, Ridley Scott delivers a sequel to Gladiator. This film follows Lucius (Paul Mescal), a gladiator facing the corrupt Roman Empire and its powers. The cast includes Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal. Expect blockbuster fun mixed with entertainment and humor.
Television
Yellowstone (Paramount+)
Popular drama Yellowstone returns without Kevin Costner. The finale centers on Beth (Kelly Reilly), who protects the family ranch from outside threats. The delay in the series resulted from a writer’s strike but fans can finally enjoy the conclusion.
Music
Linkin Park: ‘From Zero’
Linkin Park returns with a new single amid early 2000s nostalgia. The band now features Emily Armstrong, replacing the late Chester Bennington. Their comeback track reflects their classic sound with new pop influences. Read our full review.
November album anniversaries
This month marks anniversaries for TV On The Radio’s ‘Seeds’ (10 years), MF DOOM’s ‘Mm..Food’ (20 years), and Nirvana’s ‘MTV Unplugged in New York’ (30 years). These influential albums deserve revisiting. Check out more details here.