As Europe sweats through another heatwave, what better time to escape into an air conditioned exhibition or cinema?
This week has plenty of cool things to offer, too. From an exquisitely curated exhibition on Frida Kahlo in London, to one of the continent’s most significant art collections in Athens, it’s not too late to plan a last minute day out (or plane journey) to un-sizzle your brain.
One of the most-anticipated blockbuster releases of the summer is also about to swoop into action: Supergirl. Just a forewarning for those that haven’t seen the trailer: It involves a sweet little super powered dog, so bring tissues.
Elsewhere, French artist JR’s astonishing art installation on Pont Neuf bridge in Paris has finally opened after a delay, while the Saatchi Gallery’s ‘The Sun and the Moon’ exhibition is also a magical, not-to-be-missed treat for Londoners.
Or you could just stay home with a tub of ice cream and binge watch the new series of House of the Dragon?
Keep scrolling to find out more about this week’s highlights.
Exhibitions
Frida: The Making of an Icon
When: 25 June 2026 – 3 January 2027
Where: Tate Modern (London, UK)
For decades, the shapeshifting portraits of legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo have captivated viewers and influenced countless others. The Tate Modern’s exhaustive new exhibition explores how we got here, tracing Kahlo’s early career through to the global brand she has become. Highlights include over 30 of her most iconic ‘many selves’ portraits, and more than 200 works by contemporary artists that she influenced. More than just a homage, it’s an exhibition that expertly captures the echoes of Frida across generations – revealing a world still permeated with her unflinching visions. Find out more here.
The Way We Live Now
When: 20 June 2026 – March 2027
Where: George Economou Collection (Athens, Greece)
Inspired by Anthony Trollope’s 1875 novel of the same name, ‘The Way We Live Now’ explores corruptive forces within society – the structures of a world designed to see us fail. Curated by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Hilton Als and Ann Philbin, director emeritus of the Hammer Museum, it re-evaluates one of Europe’s most important private collections through the lenses of literature, politics and societal challenges. Each work is extraordinary in its own right, but together, they form stark – if at times unsettling – revelations about contemporary life. Find out more here.
Bonus highlight: A potent potion of witchy history and mythos, ‘Witches’ is a must see at Nantes’ Château des ducs de Bretagne. Hop on your brooms quick! It closes 28 June.
Movies
Supergirl
Where: Cinemas
When: 26 June
If you want to make an engaging action film, the emotional stakes need to be sky high – like a beloved flying dog, for example. Indeed, after Kara Zor-El AKA Supergirl’s (Milly Alcock) best furry friend Krypto AKA Superdog is brutally attacked and poisoned by ruthless space pirates, she embarks on a John Wick-style mission for vengeance – and a cure. Supermanwas one of Euronews Culture’s favourite blockbusters last year, so here’s hoping this will be just as campy and heartfelt. And that Krypto is ok!
Bonus highlights: In case you missed it (and because we took a week’s break), the 5th instalment of Pixar’s beloved Toy Story series is still out at cinemas. Read our review here.
TV series
House of the Dragon
Where: HBO Max
When: 22 June
After two long years waiting (even if we did have A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms to keep us occupied), House of the Dragon is finally back for a third season. Based on George R.R. Martin’s prequel book ‘Fire & Blood’, it follows the Targaryen civil war – also known as the ‘Dance of the Dragons’ – which has now broken out. We’ll also find out what’s happened to Queen Alicent (Olivia Cooke) after her surrender, and be thrown into the knotty, violent conflicts that have erupted across Westeros. In other words, after a slowish start to this series, it’s all about to kick off.
Expect big scale action – and big scale dragons, of course.
Bonus highlight: Following the finale of his hit show Curb Your Enthusiasm, comic genius Larry David is back with a new sardonic sketch show: Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness. Catch it on HBO Max from the 27 June.
Music
Muse: The Wow! Signal
When: 26 June
English rockers Muse are back with a 10th album, its title inspired by a mysterious radio signal discovered in 1977 that reportedly suggested the existence of alien life. Best known for their mid-00s space anthems, the band have struggled to retain the critical success they achieved through 2006’s ‘Black Holes and Revelations’. Still, for fans, a new cosmic-themed album always holds hope – if anything, to send our minds out of this world for a while.
Bonus highlight: English musician Beth Orton releases her tenth studio album, ‘The Ground Above’, on 26 June.