Galileo's influence on science and culture is celebrated in art and on stage in Britain this summer.

Credit: JAMES COHAN GALLERY

Bertolt Brecht's play The Life of Galileo examines the conflict between reason and faith, a theme with current resonance. This month sees the revival of a version of this play by David Hare at the National Theatre in London. Directed by Howard Davies and starring Simon Russell Beale, it runs until the end of October.

Galileo's book Sidereus Nuncius (The Starry Messenger) lends its title to an exhibition at the Compton Verney gallery in rural Warwickshire. The Starry Messenger: Visions of the Universe explores how science and technology have changed the way we think about the Universe, and the role of artists in transmitting these ideas. Early scientific texts are on display alongside paintings, music and video installations by artists ranging from William Blake to Fred Tomaselli (shown here). The exhibition runs until 10 September.

→http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk →http://www.comptonverney.org.uk