Culture Digest: The best things to do, hear, see or watch in Europe this week

Another week, another round of cultural recommendations to fill these darker autumn days with some magic.

And magic there is plenty, especially considering the Museum Barberini's new unicorn display, featuring over a hundred examples of the horned creatures' various appearances in art throughout the centuries.

Over in Paris, the Fondation Cartier celebrates 40 years of philanthropic work in contemporary art, alongside its recent move to a new location, with an inaugural exhibition that explores a diverse range of themes.

For fans of The Boss, Scott Cooper's upcoming Springsteen biopic is 'reason to believe' in a cinema trip. Or you could settle for a cosy night in with the second series of Netflix rom-com 'Nobody Want This'.

Other upcoming events of note include Art Basel in Switzerland, a free London exhibition on Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein, and various exhibitions and events across Austria that mark waltz composer Johann Strauss II’s 200th anniversary.

Whatever you decide, grab a warm drink, open your calendars, and let's get to it, shall we?

Exhibitions

Unicorn: The Mythical Beast in Art

When: 25 October - 1 February 2026

Where: Museum Barberini (Potsdam, Germany)

An enduring icon of mythology, unicorns have fascinated humans for centuries. From enriching fantasy tales to adorning art and fashion, their striking horned imagery continues to inspire ever evolving interpretations. Potsdam’s Museum Barberini delves into the subject through a magical collection of nearly 150 unicorn-related works that span roughly 4,000 years. Intricate tapestries, bronze sculptures,delicate paintings and illuminated manuscripts are just some of what’s included - many of which are as rare a sight to behold as a unicorn itself.

Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain: Exposition Générale

When: 25 October

Where: Paris, France

For forty years, the Fondation Cartier has been promoting and improving accessibility for contemporary art around the world. Having recently moved, its spectacular new home was redesigned by Jean Nouvel and is imbued with fascinating history: previously the Grands Magasins du Louvre. The space is being unveiled with an inaugural exhibition that explores the institution's philanthropic achievements. Split into four main themes, it explores architecture, nature, craftsmanship and lived experiences, bringing a diverse display of mediums and perspectives that are both human and non-human.

Bonus highlights: Art Basel, one of the largest modern and contemporary art shows in the world, begins in Switzerland on 24 October. Meanwhile, Guillermo del Toro enthusiasts should head to London's Selfridges for a special free exhibition about the creation of his new movie,Frankenstein. The Mexican filmmaker was in Lyon recently at this year's Lumière Film Festival - check out his thoughts on Mary Shelley and AI. Lastly, to mark the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss II’s birthday on 25 October, the House of Strauss and Johann Strauss Museum in Vienna are the places to be.

Movies

Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere

Where: European cinemas

When: 24 October

While last year brought us Bob Dylan played by Timothée Chalamet and Robbie Williams as a CGI chimp, this year's big musical biopic sees Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) take on the role of Bruce Springsteen. Centred around the recording of his 1982 album Nebraska, it was a famously troubled and transitionary time in Springsteen's life as he grappled with disillusionment over his success and personal demons. This resulted in a deeply intimate and moving track list of solo, stripped-back songs - the emotional resonance of which is likely to drive this portrait of an American legend.

Bonus highlight: Kathryn Bigelow's explosive political thriller, A House of Dynamite, premieres on Netflix 24 October.

TV series

Nobody Wants This (season 2)

Where: Netflix

When: 23 October

A rabbi (Adam Brody) and a sex podcaster (Kristen Bell) fall in love and cross-cultural conundrums ensue in Netflix's warm-hearted romance series. Contrary to the title, everybody wants (more of) this, as season 2 brings a deeper exploration of navigating relationship milestones and interfering family members when each partner is polar opposites. Excitingly for Gossip Girl fans, Leighton Meester joins as Abby, a former middle school enemy of Joanne's (Bell).

Bonus highlight: Right on time for Halloween, Lazarus is a spooky thriller miniseries starring Bill Nighy that premieres on Prime Video 22 October.

Music

Tortoise: Touch

When: 24 October

After a nine-year hiatus, post-rock pioneers Tortoise return with a highly-anticipated new album. Best known for their genre-blending '90s output that merged jazz, electronica and more, 'Touch' sees their trademark versatility through a lens of reconnection; the band's members combining the unique musical influences from their separate American cities. Experimental and innovative, it's the kind of music where you can feel the collaborative spirit; ideas tumbling together into a strange and alluring ambience.

Bonus highlight: More nostalgia calling! '90s rock band The Lemonheads release their new album 'Love Chant' on 24 October, which will be followed by a European tour.