May 24

The Ashmolean Museum, located in Oxford, England, is recognized as the world's first university museum when it opened its doors on May 24, 1683. It was founded under the benefaction of Elias Ashmole, who donated his collection of curiosities, artifacts, and natural specimens to the University of Oxford. The museum originally displayed cabinets of wonder that reflected the early modern fascination with art, archaeology, and natural history. Over the centuries, the institution expanded its holdings to include a vast array of paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and ethnographic materials. Today, the Ashmolean houses one of the most important collections of its kind, attracting scholars and visitors from around the globe. Its establishment marked a major milestone in the history of museums and academic study, setting a model for similar institutions worldwide.

In May 1956, the first Eurovision Song Contest was held in Lugano, Switzerland. Seven countries competed with original songs, judged by juries across participating nations. Switzerland claimed victory with Lys Assia's performance of 'Refrain', setting a precedent for the format. The contest fostered cultural exchange in post-war Europe and showcased emerging musical talent. Over the decades, Eurovision would grow into a global entertainment phenomenon with widespread influence.

Belle de Jour premiered on May 24, 1967, directed by avant-garde filmmaker Luis Buñuel. The film stars Catherine Deneuve as a young housewife who leads a secret life at a brothel during the afternoons. Buñuel's surrealist style and incisive social commentary challenged cinematic norms of the era. The movie earned the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival and secured Deneuve's international stardom. Belle de Jour remains influential for its daring exploration of desire, identity, and morality in modern cinema.