Melanie McDonagh

ABOUT

Melanie McDonagh is a columnist, arts critic and feature writer. She covers art exhibitions and also does some leader writing, interviews and occasional beauty/fragrance features.

ABOUT
VIEW

Melanie McDonagh is a columnist, arts critic and feature writer. She covers art exhibitions and also does some leader writing, interviews and occasional beauty/fragrance features.

Travel

The London hotel suite that costs £30,000 a night

Four bedrooms, Pierre-Yves Rochon interiors and no luxury spared: is The Dorchester’s new Royal Suite worth its sky-high price tag?

4 Jun 2026
Summer weather July 30th 2024
Comment

Cologne and courtyards: How I would guide Britain through a heatwave

As heatwaves become more common with climate change, the way we work in the UK must adapt. From starting work earlier to rethinking architecture, Melanie McDonagh suggests how to cope with soaring temperatures

26 May 2026
FEMEN and Pussy Riot activists  in pink balaclavas and fists in the air
Comment

Boycotting Russia and Israel betrays the spirit of the Venice Biennale

It feels wrong to cancel artists because you disapprove of what their countries are up to, writes Melanie McDonagh

14 May 2026
Exhibitions

Zurbarán review: Even the godless will be enraptured by this drama

This exhibition by the 17th Century Spanish artist is nothing short of sensational

5 May 2026
Comment

Why 'Paddington politics' won't work for the Green Party

The Zackwave could dwarf the Boriswave if it were actually implemented, writes Melanie McDonagh

14 Apr 2026
Relative Failures book jacket
Books

Relative Failures: Fascinating tales of sibling rivalry

Perhaps Matthew Sturgis could add more siblings to this engaging and original study...

12 Apr 2026
Kengo Kuma’s design for the National Gallery’s new wing
Comment

Why modern art going in the National Gallery is a problem

For the National Gallery to expand its remit to include 21st-century art (hello, Tracey Emin) is something else

11 Apr 2026
British Museum
Comment

Bothered by queues at the British Museum? Make overseas visitors pay

Free access to museums and galleries is a rare privilege but it doesn’t have to be extended to everyone

30 Mar 2026
Comment

For friction maxxing, read thrift: it's going to be obligatory

The crisis in the Gulf means we need to love economical wartime ways.

30 Mar 2026
Lifestyle

The best alternative Easter treats — with absolutely zero chocolate

The best Easter treats to gift, from Simnel cake to spring lamb and flowers — and absolutely no chocolate

30 Mar 2026
London Mayor Sadiq Khan at Bond Street Station
Comment

I don't need closure: most station 'improvements' aren't necessary

If TfL asked users what they would prefer: cosmetic improvements or a working station – I think I could bet on the outcome, writes Melanie McDonagh

27 Mar 2026
Michaelina Wautier, Self-portrait, c. 1650. Oil on canvas, 120 x 102 cm. Private collection
Exhibitions

Michaelina Wautier review: Pleasurable look at neglected female artist

This almost unknown mid-seventeenth century Flemish artist can stand alongside the greats

25 Mar 2026
Betrayal by Tom Bower
Books

Betrayal by Tom Bower: Merciless, but Meghan might have the last word

On every front — Netflix, Spotify, jam retailing — the income is drying up

21 Mar 2026
Comment

If Starmer wants to show mettle, he should put Rayner in her place

Angela Rayner says it’s ‘unBritish’ to tighten immigration controls. Who is she kidding?

19 Mar 2026
Travel

The 7 best hotels for a city break in Edinburgh

From grand dames to new boutique openings, these are the Edinburgh hotels that will make your trip to Auld Reekie exceptional

16 Mar 2026
David Hockney, Jack Ransome Resting on an Orange and White Checkered Tablecloth, 2025. Acrylic on canvas, 36 x 48 in. (91.4 x 121.9 cm)
Exhibitions

David Hockney: Underwhelming iPad work but it's hard not to be cheered

The new Hockney show at Serpentine North has huge displays of his iPad paintings and a new canvas series, and shows the great man remains prolific and curious

12 Mar 2026
Comment

St Patrick's Day celebrations are good for one day – but one day only

Celebrations for St Patrick’s Day are getting longer by the year

12 Mar 2026