Shakespeare in the Park Is Back With a Sexy, Song-Filled ‘Twelfth Night’
There’s not a dud in the ensemble, from Sandra Oh’s flushed and impulsive Olivia to a scene-stealing turn by initialized performer “b” as Antonio, the sailor who rescues Sebastian from drowning.
How Museums Like OMA Are Opening Their Doors to Visitors With Vision Impairment
A recent collaboration between Orlando Museum of Art and eSight was inspired, in part, by the experiences of artist Kelly Joy Ladd.
Jerome Powell Signals Fed Policy Shift to Balance Inflation and Jobs Strains
Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole speech pointed to a possible Fed policy shift as the jobs market weakens amid persistent inflation.
Art
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The Best Art Galleries (and One Museum) in Lisbon, Portugal
Over the past decade, Lisbon’s art scene has surged into the spotlight, transforming the city into a magnet for art lovers from around the globe.
‘Make Me Famous’ Reminds Us That Ed Brezinski, and All Artists, Deserve Better
It’s about how our insistence on framing genius as a yes or no question reliably and efficiently destroys the human beings who make art.
One Fine Show: Steve McQueen’s ‘Bass’ at the Laurenz Foundation, Schaulager Basel
This unexpected offering from McQueen shows that he’s still challenging himself and finding new ways to get into our heads.
Record Prices, New Buyers and Global Reach: Design’s Moment Has Arrived
If there’s one common thread among today’s collectors, Friedman Benda partner Rachel Olshin told Observer, it’s the desire to really live with design—intentionally and fully.
How Late Is Too Late to Claim an Artwork? A Recent Alma Thomas Ruling Reopens the Question
Reich told Observer that the laches defense cannot be invoked in bad faith.
Lifestyle
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A Guide to Gruyères: Why You’ll Want to Visit the Picturesque Swiss Town with Edge
Discover the enchanting Swiss village of Gruyères, where rich culinary traditions, medieval charm and cutting-edge art come together to create an unforgettable alpine experience.
Where to Get the Best Hand Rolls in L.A.
Discover the top spots for temaki in Los Angeles.
How America’s National Parks Won Over the Luxury Safari Crowd
A safari nerd rethinks America’s wilderness.
The Loafers That Perfect the Art of Transitional Dressing
The best loafers transcend seasons.
Where to Sip, Eat and Stay in Napa’s Up Valley
From elevated cabernets to hot spring soaks, here’s how to experience Napa’s quieter side in the Up Valley.
Culture
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At SummerScape, a Timely ‘Julietta’ Satirizes the Nostalgic Obsessions of Fascism
Bohuslav Martinů’s masterpiece could hardly be more apt, both for 1938 and for our current world.
There It Goes Again: Jukebox Musical ‘Mamma Mia!’ Returns to Broadway
Twenty-four years later, this show still has the emotional depth of a sugared-up fourteen-year-old.
Criterion’s ‘Born In Flames’ Release Cements Lizzie Borden’s Place in No Wave Cinema History
Most of the filmmakers associated with the no wave movement are remembered now only for their original contributions, which routinely screen at museums like MoMA.
Inside the Bond & Grace ‘Art Novels’ That Put Artists at the Center of Classic Literature
A unique format reframes well-known books with visual interpretations that challenge and expand the text.
From Paris to New York and Further Afield: How Bookshops Transport Us
Stepping into Albertine Books feels like walking into Paris, a city I was once eager to escape.
Business
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How Walmart, Target, Home Depot and Lowe’s Confront Tariff Pressures
Walmart, Target, Home Depot and Lowe’s earnings reveal how tariffs are raising costs, reshaping pricing and pressuring profits in 2025.
Jackson Hole Symposium: Why a Mountain Retreat Moves Global Markets Each Year
A once-academic forum in Jackson Hole is now a bellwether for monetary policy and markets.
Jerome Powell Faces Inflation, Politics and Legacy at His Final Jackson Hole
With his tenure ending, Fed Chair Jerome Powell faces market pressure and White House criticism in a pivotal Jackson Hole appearance.
Pop Mart CEO Wang Ning Joins China’s Richest as Labubu Craze Explodes
Pop Mart’s Labubu toys are fueling a 240 percent stock surge and making CEO Wang Ning one of China’s youngest billionaires.
Doing Well and Doing Good: The Twin Model for Purpose-Driven Business
Entrepreneurs and cultural changemakers Shay and Shabnam Safar examine how leaders can bridge industries to drive systemic impact. The twins unpack lessons from building A.I.-powered platforms and global education programs, arguing that innovation is most powerful when it challenges entrenched inequities and expands cultural narratives of influence.
Art Market
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From L.A. to Jaipur Palace, Rajiv Menon Centers South Asian Artists
“There’s an excitement around seeing Indian contemporary art on the global stage, and I think younger collectors are especially eager to be part of that conversation,” he told Observer.
The Alexandria Biennale Returns With a Mediterranean Focus After a 12-Year Hiatus
The relaunch of this historic biennial reflects broader efforts to revitalize Egypt’s cultural institutions and re-establish it as a hub for Mediterranean and African art.
‘It Was the Greatest Adventure of My Life’: Olivier Babin and the True Story of CLEARING
“I always believed one should run a gallery like the MoMA. Otherwise, why have a gallery at all? We were always operating with that mindset,” he told Observer.
Broader Vision, Sharper Focus: Kyla McMillan On The Armory Show’s Next Chapter
“It’s what makes us unique: we matter not just to New York but to the entire North American region,” the fair director told Observer.
What Global Collectors Are Actually Buying in 2025
Philip Hoffman, founder and CEO of The Fine Art Group, unpacks the shifting patterns in high-end acquisitions in 2025. Drawing on over 35 years at the forefront of the international art market, Hoffman examines what the buying trends reveal about collector priorities, market confidence and the evolving role of art as both an asset and a cultural touchstone.
Art Reviews
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Emerging Art Scenes in Chios and Leros Offer a More Relaxed Definition of Art World Success
Perhaps the most radical gesture in art today is conceiving an exhibiton as a moment of beauty, care of place and respect.
One Fine Show: ‘Virtual Beauty’ at Somerset House in London
The diversity on display in this exhibition makes a convincing case for the self as the final frontier.
At London’s Garden Museum, Cecil Beaton’s Botanical Obsessions
Catch this exhibition while it’s still in bloom.
Don’t Miss ‘An American Beauty: Grateful Dead 1965-1995’ at David Kordansky Gallery
The earliest shots in the show are of the band before anyone knew who they were.
One Fine Show: ‘Rose Iron Works and Art Deco’ at the Cleveland Museum of Art
Tastes are shaped through many avenues—craft and architecture, as demonstrated here, are among the most enduring.
Luxury Travel
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Discover the Gilded Charm and Seaside Glamour of Newport, Rhode Island’s Finest Hotels
Experience gilded glamour, ocean views and impeccable service at Newport’s best hotel stays.
Grand Hotel Fasano Is a Tranquil Getaway on Lake Garda’s Shores
Inside an intimate lakeside hideaway that exudes Italian charm.
Le Sirenuse Is Positano’s Crown Jewel, Now With After-Hours Intrigue
Le Sirenuse is an Amalfi Coast icon that loosens its tie after dark.
The Mainland Greece Hotels Giving the Islands a Run for Their Money
Skip the island ferries. These design-forward mainland hotels offer mountain-meets-sea views and a slower, more rooted kind of luxury.
The Greek Island Hotels That Actually Live Up to the Dream
From Crete to Koufonisi, these design-forward hotels trade clichés for calm, craftsmanship and a slower way to see the Aegean.
Nightlife & Dining
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New York City’s 8 Most Exciting Restaurant Openings for August
Late-summer pop-ups, fancy chicken fingers, classic French bistros and more.
L.A.’s Most Noteworthy August Restaurant Openings
This month, the spotlight shines on West Hollywood as the neighborhood welcomes three exciting new eateries.
At Sap Sửa, Anthony and Anna Nguyen Are Rewriting the Rules of Vietnamese Cuisine
The Nguyens are making Vietnamese food personal, poetic and impossible to ignore.
Craft, Conscience and Climate Action: The New Recipe for Sustainable Spirits
Jack Teeling has spent more than a decade leading The Teeling Whiskey Company—winner of over 650 international awards and the first new operational distillery in Dublin in over 125 years. In this Expert Insights Q&A, Teeling explores why climate action, community ties and innovative craftsmanship aren’t at odds, but essential to the future of world-class spirits.
The Best Restaurants in Beverly Hills
From historic spots like Polo Lounge and La Dolce Vita to Michelin-starred Nozawa Bar, we’ve rounded up the best restaurants in Beverly Hills.
Style
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Heritage Craftsmanship Meets Sustainability: The Rise of Antique and Vintage Jewelry
Gemologist and CEO of Pietra Communications, Olga González, examines the rising appeal of antique and vintage jewelry among Millennials and Gen Z, exploring how these generations are reshaping sustainable luxury through authentic storytelling and heritage craftsmanship. González highlights how younger buyers prioritize ethical sourcing, individuality and sustainability—values that are redefining the future of the jewelry market.
Jet Set: The U.S. Open Packing Guide
From a royal-inspired denim dress and perfectly polished suede loafers to a pair of understated sunnies and crisp cotton shorts, here’s what’s on our U.S. Open packing list.
From the City to the Coast, Linen Pants Make Summer Style Easy
From sidewalks to seaside, linen pants solve all your warm-weather dressing woes.
The Essentials With Ciao Lucia’s Lucy Akin: Vintage Dresses, L.A. Psychics and the Art of Packing Light
From silk slip dresses to spritz-soaked afternoons, Ciao Lucia founder Lucy Akin has you covered for your next sun-soaked adventure.
The Best Shorts for the Dog Days of Summer
When temps hit triple digits and your calendar is packed with rooftop drinks, resort getaways and “casual” weddings, these 15 shorts are your last line of defense.
Theater
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Elizabeth McGovern’s ‘AVA: The Secret Conversations’ Leaves the Best Stories Untold
It’s not a disaster, but any play about Ava Gardner that is this dull is definitely a disappointment.
Manhattan Theatre Club’s Lynne Meadow On Staging Her Next Chapter
Under Meadow’s leadership, Manhattan Theatre Club premiered dozens of landmark plays and earned Tony, Pulitzer and Obie honors.
Review: The Deliciously Dark ‘Heathers’ Is Back Off-Broadway
Beyond its sociological themes, the show is a ton of stylish, well-crafted fun with top-notch acting and top-to-bottom earworms.
Review: Trust the Darkness, But Follow the Light in Spooky ‘Viola’s Room’
Conceived and directed by Punchdrunk’s chief wizard Felix Barrett, Viola’s Room is an audio-guided indoor son et lumière.
Review: A Hot Mess and a Sex Pest Go on a Date in ‘Lowcountry’
If you arrived late and left five minutes early, you might say it crackles along in a noirish vein, but taken as a whole, the drama leaves you hanging.
Opera
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Czechs and Violins: Bard Tries to Rescue ‘Dalibor’
SummerScape continues its tradition of staging rarely performed works with the U.S. premiere of Bedřich Smetana’s opera.
A King of Countertenors Arrives in New York With a Royal Orchestra
Let’s hope Franco Fagioli returns soon, as he remains one of the most exciting and moving talents in opera today.
In 2025, Teatro Nuovo’s Undersung Scores Get the Vocal Firepower They Deserve
In this season’s ‘La Sonnambula’ and ‘Macbeth,’ the leading ladies rule the day.
In 2025’s Love & Power, the Boston Early Music Festival Unearths Another Baroque Rarity
Each edition of the festival mounts as its centerpiece a fully staged revival of a near-forgotten opera—in 2025, BEMF chose Reinhard Keiser’s ‘Octavia.’
Two Symphony Orchestras Tackle Wagner’s Supreme Masterpiece and Strauss’s First Opera with Mixed Results
The American Symphony Orchestra returned recently to Carnegie Hall with the underrated ‘Guntram,’ championed by conductor Leon Botstein.
Dance
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Movement Under Open Sky: Battery Park Dance Festival Returns to NYC
Summer in the city brings to mind many things—some good, some bad—but a hands-down highlight is the abundance of outdoor
Live Performance in the Art World: Genuine Cross-Pollination or an Aesthetic Accessory?
CARVALHO’s performance series dissolves artistic hierarchies in favor of shared authorship and spatial dialogue.
SCRIBBLE at The Watermill Center: Inside the Hamptons’ Most Surreal Summer Soirée
The annual two-day benefit festival was, as always, a feast for the eyes.
Norton Owen, Alvin Ailey and A.I. in the Berkshires
With photo archives, video and generative A.I., the latest exhibitions at Jacob’s Pillow invite visitors to reflect on the choreography of memory and innovation.
Dynamic and Genre-Defying, ‘Lady White Snake’ Gives a Classic Myth a Contemporary Bite
Directed by Tan YuanYuan, the production brings an amalgamation of classical Chinese dance, Western ballet and martial arts to Lincoln Center.
Tech
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Microsoft A.I. Chief Mustafa Suleyman Sounds Alarm on ‘Seemingly Conscious A.I.’
Microsoft’s Mustafa Suleyman urges caution as A.I. systems approach human-like consciousness and societal risks rise.
After Tension With Washington, Intel Is Suddenly a Hot Asset
SoftBank is investing $2 billion in Intel, giving it a 2 percent stake.
Bill Gates Launches $1M A.I. Competition to Tackle Alzheimer’s
Bill Gates and partners unveil a $1 million A.I. competition to drive breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s research.
Ford’s Big-Truck Legacy Could Be a Problem for Its New $30,000 EV Ambition
With slowing Lightning sales, rising tariffs and fierce EV competition, Ford’s $30,000 electric pickup could be its boldest risk yet.
Authorship, Autonomy and Art School: The Making of Flynn as an A.I. Student
Curatorial duo Auronda Scalera and Dr. Alfredo Cramerotti bring a global and historical lens to Flynn’s presence as the first A.I. student admitted to the University of Applied Arts Vienna. They argue that what might appear as an isolated experiment instead marks a turning point in the dialogue between institutions, artists and machine intelligence—an extension of decades of digital practice that now forces academia to reimagine learning and authorship.
Finance
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Longtime Target CEO Brian Cornell Steps Down Amid Tariff Woes and DEI Boycotts
Longtime Target leader Brian Cornell exits as CEO; Michael Fiddelke steps in with a turnaround strategy to revive sales and restore growth.
Klarna’s CEO Lets A.I. Avatar Present Quarterly Earnings in His Place
Klarna’s A.I. push is fueling growth while raising questions about human roles in fintech.
Trump Mocks Goldman Sachs CEO’s DJ Past After Bank’s Tariff Criticism
Goldman Sachs’ tariff report prompted a sharp rebuke from Trump, who mocked CEO David Solomon’s former DJ career.
This AI Startup Founded by a Google Intern Bids $34.5B to Acquire Chrome Browser
With Google under antitrust fire, Perplexity AI offers $34.5B for Chrome.
Why “Permanent” Tax Cuts Are a Temporary Advantage for High-Net-Worth Investors
Spencer Carroll, CPA, tech startup veteran and real estate entrepreneur, breaks down what recent federal tax cuts mean for business owners and investors. Carroll explains how changes to corporate and individual tax rates, deductions and depreciation rules can reshape decision-making and cautions against short-term thinking that could undermine long-term stability.
Media
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A24’s Latest Global Bet Sets Up Surprise Showdown with Netflix’s ‘KPop Demon Hunters’
The Chinese fantasy epic Ne Zha 2 arrives in U.S. theaters via A24, setting up a box office clash with Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters.
Binge-Watching or Weekly Drops? How Streaming Giants Keep Audiences Hooked
Streaming platforms are rethinking how and when to release shows to keep audiences hooked.
From Screens to Scenes: How Netflix Brings Its Biggest Hits Into the Real World
The streamer that redefined home viewing is now investing in theaters, dining and immersive venues.
Skydance’s Paramount Bets Big on Cindy Holland to Reboot Its Streaming Future
With Holland at the helm, Paramount+ seeks to blend hits and bold originals amid industry challenges.
Disney Unifies Streaming and Ends Subscriber Reporting in Strategic Overhaul
Disney merges Hulu into Disney+, unveils an ESPN app, and shifts focus from subscriber numbers to engagement and profitability.
Power Lists
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The Top PR Firms in 2025
This year’s PR Power List celebrates the agencies bold enough to lead the charge and smart enough to reflect the world they’re shaping.
The Top Specialty PR Firms in 2025
In an era where perception is currency, specialty PR firms are the brokers of influence
The Most Important People in Nightlife & Dining
These are the architects of modern indulgence, wielding influence with every lease signed and every menu unveiled. Theirs is the kind of power that turns concepts into cultural institutions.
Marketplace
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10 Best CBD Oil for Dogs: Best for Anxiety, Pain, & Arthritis
A guide to our carefully selected picks for the top CBD oils for dogs in 2025 to soothe anxiety, pain and arthritis.
10 Best CBD Gummies for Pain & Inflammation to Buy in 2025
Finding the best CBD gummies for pain and inflammation is made easy with this comprehensive review of leading brands. Colorado Botanicals earned the top spot among nine other brands that caught our attention.
10 Best CBD Companies to Buy From in 2025: Honest Reviews & Guide
Despite strong competition from nine impressive challengers, Colorado Botanicals tops our list of the best CBD companies to buy from in 2025.
5 Strongest CBD Gummies: Best CBD Gummies of 2025
We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 strongest CBD gummies for pain, sleep, anxiety and stress to save you time and money.
7 Best CBN Gummies for Sleep in 2025
Discover the top seven CBN gummies for sleep on the market, based on overall quality, effectiveness, price, formula, recognition and more.
Latest
All Latest
Don’t Miss: Lynn Hershman Leeson’s ‘Desire Inc.’ and the Seductive Screen
The artist argues that mass media is “feeding like a vampire” on those who consume it.
Ana María Caballero Wants to See Poetry Not Just Vindicated But Revalued
The transdisciplinary artist’s work challenges the idea of what poetry can be and where it belongs.
Kamel Mennour On 25 Years of Building a Parisian Powerhouse
“I had no competition. There was nothing in front of me,” the dealer tells Observer. “I had this vision that I wanted to make it in Paris. Paris was my city.”
Johanna Burton Outlines Her Plans for ICA Philadelphia’s Next Chapter
The incoming director is looking to expand ICA’s reach and impact, focusing on inclusivity and artist-driven research as key pillars for the museum’s next chapter.
Documenta 16’s Naomi Beckwith Introduces Her Groundbreaking Artistic Team
It remains to be seen whether the quiet strength of this groundbreaking group can secure a smooth, censor-free run—and the necessary funding.
Observer’s Guide to This Year’s Must-Visit September Art Fairs
Observer’s September art fair calendar can help you put together the perfect itinerary.
Beyond Times Square Sleaze: Jane Dickson Still Captures the Pulse of the City
A look back at her nearly five-decade career reveals flirtations with a raft of subjects ranging from carnivals to casinos, car races to quotidian suburban neighborhoods.
Nike Co-Founder Phil Knight’s Makes Largest-Ever Donation to a U.S. School
Knight’s historic donation makes the Oregon Health & Science University home to one of the nation’s largest cancer institutes.
In Arles, the Rencontres de la Photographie Showcases the Vernacular, the Archive and the Contemporary
Each year, the festival brings together diverse exhibitions across unexpected venues, transforming the small city into a summer hub for photography.
Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn Promises to Keep Human Staff Amid A.I. Push
After backlash over an A.I. memo, Duolingo’s CEO clarifies the company’s plans: no layoffs, just new tools to help employees work smarter.
In Southern California, the Best Summer Travel Happens in September
Explore the best of Southern California during shoulder season.
Inside 2025’s Largest Space IPO, Firefly Aerospace: Milestones and Key Leaders
The Texas-based rocket maker is riding a wave of defense contracts, space milestones and fresh investor backing.
The Entry-Level Crisis and the Talent We Can’t Afford to Lose
Dr. Kathy Bloomgarden, CEO of Ruder Finn, explores why organizations must view Gen Z as a competitive advantage in an A.I.-driven economy. Bloomgarden argues that harnessing the agility, digital fluency and fresh perspectives of young professionals is essential to future-proofing the workforce and closing the widening gap in entry-level talent.
The Last Days of Summer: 10 Strategic Escapes for the Sophisticated Traveler
This isn’t a farewell to summer—it’s an upgrade. These 10 getaways deliver peak weather, smaller crowds and smarter value.
Canada’s Cohere Raises $500M, Hires Former Meta Exec Joelle Pineau as A.I. Chief
Backed by Nvidia, AMD, and Salesforce, Cohere hits $6.8 billion valuation with $500 million round and new executive hires.
As the Studio Museum in Harlem Nears Its Reopening, Thelma Golden Shares What to Expect
While Harlem has always grounded the Studio Museum’s mission, Golden emphasized that the new building will enhance its capacity to engage the entire community.
Founder of GPTZero Shifts Focus From Catching A.I. Cheaters to Helping Students Write
Edward Tian’s GPTZero moves past plagiarism detection to help students and teachers write better with A.I. as a constructive classroom tool.
Suppressed Intergenerational Traumas Surface in Christine Ay Tjoe’s Abstract Canvases
Here, the artist’s grief surfaces in symbolically filtered ways, as the irrepressible tides of the unconscious inevitably seek their expurgatory release through paint.