Leonardo da Vinci
Italian Renaissance polymath (1452−1519)
Photo: Attributed to Francesco Melzi, Public domain (Wikimedia Commons, cropped)
- Sep 21
European Central Bank concludes public survey on new euro banknote designs
More than 9 million people took part in the ECB survey on new euro banknote designs before the consultation closed on 21 September 2026.
- Sep 19
Two German visitors detained after taping paintings near Mona Lisa at Louvre
French police questioned two German nationals after they used adhesive tape to affix two personal self-portraits to the wall in the Louvre gallery housing the Mona Lisa on Saturday.
- Aug 12
Eurovision bars countries in armed conflict from hosting the song contest
The EBU's revised rulebook, published on August 12 and effective in 2027, automatically excludes winning broadcasters whose countries are affected by armed conflict or sensitive geopolitical situations from hosting, while raising the minimum artist age from 16 to 18.
- Aug 2
Italy places 25 of 27 largest cities on red heat alert as new heatwave grips Europe
The Italian health ministry says 25 cities including Rome, Milan and Naples will be under the highest-level warning on Monday, with perceived temperatures reaching 39°C, as a subtropical anticyclone from North Africa intensifies over the Mediterranean.
- Jul 24
ECB opens public vote on new euro banknote designs, first full redesign since 2002
Ten designs across two themes, European culture and rivers & birds, are up for public consultation until 21 September 2026, ahead of the first full redesign since the euro's launch in 2002.
- Jul 23
ECB unveils finalist designs for new euro banknotes with da Vinci, Beethoven, Callas; public vote open until 21 September
The European Central Bank presented 10 finalist designs for the next series of euro banknotes on 23 July, launching a public consultation that runs until 21 September. The proposals feature cultural icons like Leonardo da Vinci and Maria Callas, or rivers and birds.
- Jun 17
Louvre president tells Senate the museum is 'running out of steam,' needs over €1 billion renovation after jewellery heist
Louvre president Christophe Leribault admitted Wednesday the world’s most visited museum is 'running out of steam', its aging infrastructure and tight budget constraints laid bare by October’s jewel heist.
- Jun 17
Fifth edition of Tim Summer Hits brings over 80 artists to Rome’s Piazza del Popolo for four free concerts
The free festival, running from June 21 to 24 in Piazza del Popolo, will feature more than 80 Italian artists and will be broadcast on Rai 1 in July.