One of the many street art murals in Berlin.

How the Berlin Wall sparked a boom of creativity

The Berlin Wall divided a city and sparked a cultural renaissance. Learn how this historic barrier led to an incredible boom of creativity and art. The atmosphere at Bearpit Karaoke in Mauerpark On an uneven, weed-cracked stage in front of a concrete amphitheatre, two men…
Chicago reflected in Cloud Gate.

Cloud Gate (The Bean), Chicago: 2026 visitor guide

Planning to see Cloud Gate, The Bean, in Chicago? This visitor guide offers practical tips and essential information for your 2026 visit to the much-photographed landmark. When I first walked into Millennium Park on a crisp Chicago morning, Cloud Gate caught me completely off guard.…
Azulejo tile art at Oriente station in Lisbon, Portugal.

Lisbon’s azulejos: Portugal’s tile art on the metro and beyond

Lisbon’s metro stations, museums and public spaces have transformed azulejos into a celebration of Portugal’s artistic heritage and modern creativity. First impressions at Oriente station A whim takes over on the train from the airport. Oriente station looks so bright, and downright fascinating, that it’s…
Kangaroo rock at Nourlangie in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory.

Kakadu rock art and the Aboriginal stories of the Top End

The ancient galleries of Kakadu National Park reveal tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal culture, belief and storytelling layered into stone. The lightning man and Aboriginal mythology There are more lightning strikes here than anywhere else on the planet, and the being responsible for…

Aya Universe, Dubai: Ticket prices, hours & visitor guide (2026)

When I first stepped into Aya Universe, I thought I'd wandered onto a film set. Digital flowers bloomed underfoot, robotic lights danced across mirrored walls, and a waterfall flowed upwards — actually upwards — defying physics entirely. This isn't a museum or traditional attraction; it's…