The solar eclipse might have passed, but there’s still plenty to gaze at in awe (no special glasses required!)
From striking global photography exhibitions, to horror movies that revive demonic realms, to comedic anti-travel shows — the week ahead features something for everyone (and hopefully some air conditioned venues).
And if you’re looking for some extra inspiration, check out our round-up of the best European exhibitions.
Keep scrolling to find out more…
Exhibitions and events
RPS International Photography Exhibition 167
When: 7 August — 11 September 2026
Where: Saatchi Gallery (London, UK)
The world’s longest running contemporary photography exhibition brings together 113 prints by 48 international photographers — shortlisted from more than 5,200 submissions. It’s a breathtaking collection of images that cover a diversity of subject matters, processes and cultural perspectives; reflecting a nuanced portrait of the world today. At the heart of the International Photography Exhibition (IPE) are winners Marcy Palmer and Léa Chen, whose works examine reproductive rights and generational memories respectively. Find out more here.
Rothko in Florence
When: Until 23 August 2027
Where: Palazzo Strozzi (Florence, Italy)
Between the historic halls of Palazzo Strozzi, Rothko’s striking Colour Fields appear both vast and small — windows into an artist’s boundless imagination. At this exhibition, the setting makes all the difference. Florence was not only a place that Rothko loves, but a place that inspired and came to define much of his career. Captivated by its architecture, history and spiritual ambience, it also became a way for him to explore tensions between classical and expressive art forms. When returned to this setting, over 70 of his works are revealed in a profound new light. Find out more here.
Bonus highlight: This week marks your final chance to visit the Kunstmuseum Basel’s landmark exhibition on Helen Frankenthaler, which closes 23 August.
Movies
Insidious: Out of the Further
Where: Cinemas
When: 21 August
Prepare for some jump scares! The fifth instalment of Leigh Whannell ad James Wan’s supernatural series is here — and ramping up the demonic terror. While raising her daughter in her old childhood home, Gemma (Amelia Eve) realises she has a dangerous gift: the ability to bridge the gap between the real world and a spiritual realm known as The Further, pulling its dangerous entities into the real world. It’s a fresh take on a franchise that has struggled to maintain the atmospheric tension and originality of its introduction, but expect the usual powdery-faced demon Blumhouse beats.
Bonus highlight: Palme d’Or winner Fjord, about a family of Romanian evangelicals, begins its European roll-out this week. Stay tuned for our full review on Friday.
TV series
Conan O’Brien Must Go
Where: HBO Max
When: 22 August
Conan O’Brien brings his unique brand of hyperactive charm to this very unserious third season of his travel series. A spin-off of his podcast ‘Conan O’Brien Needs a Fan’, the American comedian steps outside of the studio to surprise his fans in person, learning about their lives and the local culture in the process. This time, viewers can expect more socially awkward interactions and chaotic observations in India, the Netherlands, Morocco and the Philippines.
Bonus highlight: Centred around the glowing green justice warriors from DC Comics, Lanterns is a sophisticated spin on the superhero genre that is now streaming on HBO Max.
Music
Weezer: Weezer (The Gold Album)
When: 21 August
From ‘Say It Ain’t So’ to ‘Island In The Sun’, American rock band Weezer know how to conjure a catchy melody. Since their self-titled debut in 1994, they’ve released a whopping 20 albums, with ‘Gold Album’ their latest. Reportedly inspired by the dusty, dreamy grooves of desert rock, it’s a more collaborative sound that’s simultaneously new and nostalgic — one of the music videos even features skateboarder Tony Hawk. Ageing is also a core topic, with each track working through the past and present to make sense of confidence and perspective. In other words, it’s music to lay in the last of the summer sun to and wonder where all the time went.
Bonus highlight: Critically acclaimed American singer-songwriter Julia Holter releases her seventh studio album, ‘Materia’ — a seven-track companion piece to her 2024 LP, Something in the Room She Moves — on 21 August.