The book introduces the reader to the complex world of culture and art and presents the history of world culture from its inception to the present day. The content is systematized in chronological order, the main attention is paid to the peculiarity of the historical and cultural development of individual peoples and civilizations, which makes it possible to more deeply understand the conditions and results of cultural activity, the variety of its manifestations. The main stages of development, directions and styles of art, the history of the formation of contemporary art are considered, the place and significance of Russian culture, its achievements and connection with the world are shown. On the examples of world-famous monuments of architecture, sculpture, painting, the features of the main directions of art formed during the cultural history of mankind are shown, the creative manners of their creators are revealed.