Culture

Berlin, Germany – The iconic Pergamon Museum, a cornerstone of Berlin's revered Museum Island, has embarked on an ambitious and extensive restoration project that promises to redefine its future while preserving its invaluable past. Fully closed to the public since October 23, 2023, this monumental undertaking is part of the larger "Museum Island Master Plan" and is expected to span well over a decade, with a projected full reopening around 2037, though some forecasts suggest it could extend to 2043

BERLIN, Germany – On the crisp, cold nights of November 9 and 10, 1938, a wave of orchestrated violence swept across Nazi Germany, its annexed territories of Austria, and the Sudetenland. This brutal assault, euphemistically dubbed "Kristallnacht" or the "Night of Broken Glass," marked a terrifying escalation in the persecution of Jewish communities and served as an undeniable precursor to the systematic horrors of the Holocaust

November 11 in Germany is a day of striking contrasts, simultaneously ushering in the solemn, charitable observance of St. Martin's Day and the exuberant, often raucous, start of the Carnival season

CANNES, France – Renowned Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid has once again thrust a searing spotlight onto his homeland with his latest feature, "Yes," a film that has premiered to both intense acclaim and immediate controversy at the Directors' Fortnight section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Described as a fierce, confrontational, and darkly satirical examination of Israeli society in the wake of the October 7 attacks and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, "Yes" is designed not to entertain but to provoke, challenging audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about national identity, morality, and the nature of conflict

The concept of extraordinary individuals battling overwhelming odds for the common good is not a modern invention; it is a narrative thread woven through the fabric of human history, stretching from the mythical pantheons of antiquity to the bustling, crime-ridden streets of Gotham. These figures, whether divine or mortal, have consistently served as reflections of societal aspirations, fears, and moral compasses, evolving significantly across cultures and eras to become the global phenomena recognized today as superheroes

In an era frequently defined by stark contrasts and potent symbols, a single piece of art—an 18-karat solid gold toilet—has transcended its utilitarian function to become a focal point of discussion on wealth, power, and the sometimes-absurd intersection of high art and high politics. Valued in the millions, Maurizio Cattelan's "America" embarked on a journey from a public museum restroom to a stately English palace, culminating in a daring heist and an unexpected, symbolic offer to the highest office in the United States

LEIPZIG, GERMANY – The classical music world is reverberating with excitement following the official unveiling and historic first public performance of two previously unknown organ compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach. More than three centuries after their composition, the "Chaconne in D minor" (BWV 1178) and "Chaconne in G minor" (BWV 1179) were brought to life on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the revered St

In the immediate aftermath of World War II, with the scorched earth of Europe bearing witness to unprecedented atrocities and systematic destruction, the victorious Allied powers faced a monumental challenge: how to reconcile the desire for retribution with the imperative for justice. This dilemma culminated in the historic Nuremberg Trials, a series of military tribunals that, for the first time, held individual state leaders accountable for crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity

In an era defined by personalization and a burgeoning environmental consciousness, the traditional funeral is undergoing a profound transformation. Modern farewells are increasingly diverging from somber, standardized rituals, embracing both extraordinary expressions of individuality and sustainable practices that minimize ecological impact

The global marketplace for historical artifacts often intersects with profound ethical dilemmas, none more stark than the trade in Nazi-era relics. These items, ranging from military uniforms and medals to personal effects adorned with swastikas, represent one of humanity's darkest chapters, sparking an intense debate that pits historical preservation against the imperative to prevent the glorification of hate and respect the memory of millions of victims

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – Each year, as November draws to a close, a vibrant wave of orange sweeps across the globe. From iconic landmarks bathed in amber light to communities rallying in solidarity, "Orange Days" serve as a powerful international call to action against gender-based violence

Udo Kier, the legendary German actor renowned for his piercing gaze, distinctive presence, and fearless embrace of eccentric roles across more than 200 films, died Sunday, November 23, 2025, in Rancho Mirage, California. He was 81

A forthcoming adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel, "Wuthering Heights," directed by Emerald Fennell and starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, has become the subject of intense controversy months ahead of its February 2026 release. Accusations of "whitewashing" have surged, primarily centered on the casting of white Australian actor Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, a character widely interpreted by scholars and readers as non-white

New York, NY – A groundbreaking German children's series, "In Fritzi's Footsteps — What Was Life Like in East Germany?" (German: "Auf Fritzis Spuren — Wie war das so in der DDR?"), has achieved global recognition, winning an International Emmy Award in the Kids: Factual & Entertainment category. The win, announced at a recent ceremony in New York, marks a significant moment for German television, particularly for programming aimed at younger audiences, as it bravely tackles the complex history of life behind the Berlin Wall

Berlin, Germany – The turbulent and transformative history of Germany, particularly its capital, has long captivated the world. Now, a new video game, "The Berlin Apartment," offers an unprecedented interactive journey through 120 years of this complex past, allowing players to step into the lives of ordinary individuals who witnessed monumental change from within the confines of a single Berlin dwelling