In the third part of our circumpolar tour, we visit Murmansk. Following the break-up of the USSR, the city and its strategic naval base went into decline. But the promise of Arctic riches is reviving the city once again.
Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson has been the president of Iceland for 18 years; in that time he’s witnessed a financial crash and an energy renaissance. Now, in what will be his final term, he is moderating the global clamour for…
Talk of a pandemic-induced exodus from city living has been overegged but there’s always room for improvement in even our most-treasured urban areas. Here we spotlight 10 initiatives from around
the globe that could help…
A new era is dawning for a former industrial neighbourhood in the Belgian capital. The canalside Tour & Taxis area is now buzzing with energy as warehouses are redeveloped into cultural, residential and commercial spaces…
The Maltese capital is the smallest in the EU but it packs a singular punch. With Arabic, Italian, English and French influences, its culture and history are unique and it seems to be on the brink of yet another renaissance…
The streets of New Orleans have never been short of carnival spirit and creativity but can that energy find a home on the walls of local galleries? Those involved in the Prospect biennial think it can.
Economy-wise, Houston is bigger than Austria and South Africa, thanks largely to its oil and gas industry. But alongside the energy behemoths, small entrepreneurial businesses are finding a welcoming niche.
Gallic pop’s ecstatic renaissance is being driven by electro-tinged – and frankly libidinous – tracks from a new wave of artists. Riding highest on our list is Corine, who joined us in the apt setting of Hotel Grand Amour…
After months of enforced slumber, the art world is stretching its limbs and taking a breath of fresh air. Projects waiting in the wings, events put on hold and venues kept under wraps are now seeing the light of day. Here’s…
Tram and urban light-rail projects are booming as cities turn their backs on car culture. Bombardier is the global leader in the field and provides stock to such places as Stockholm, Geneva and Brussels. We met its pres…
Sakhalin, in Russia’s far east, is 6,000km from Moscow, yet a short hop from Japan, its former ruler. Marooned from its Asian neighbours during the Soviet era, the region has so far seen little investment from Japanese…
Canadians are rightly proud of their vibrant metropolises. But how does Toronto, one of its noblest urban hubs, compare to sister city and rival Chicago across the international border? We pitted citizens of both places…
Hobart, capital of Tasmania, is the nearest inhabited landmass to Antarctica and that’s why scientists flock to the city that is at the frontline of environmental research. Add to this adventurous tourists and food pioneers…