Despite lingering cancellations, some events and attractions are beginning to return
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
It's been almost a year since the World Health Organization (WHO) first declared COVID-19 a pandemic, putting life as we knew it on hold. And while some attractions are coming back, many festivals and events around the world are being canceled for the second year in a row.
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All Broadway shows have been canceled through the end of May, and there are concerns that the postponed Tokyo Olympics could be canceled altogether.
Though Disney World in Florida reopened in July, Disney does not currently expect Disneyland to reopen for the entirety of its second quarter (which runs through March 2021). But there is hope for the reopening of Hong Kong Disneyland in the coming months.
And that's not the only bit of good news. Last week, the Sistine Chapel reopened to public view for the first time since it was forced to close in November, according to Afar. Rome's Colosseum and Forum reopened the first week of February 2021.
Visit TPG’s guide to all coronavirus news and updates
Related: State by state guide to reopening
Las Vegas reopened over the summer — with major changes. And in late August and September, many of New York City's most prominent museums reopened to visitors.
Related: Guide to wonders of the world reopening
As the grim one-year anniversary of the pandemic approaches, it seems we can finally look ahead to announcing the reopening of major events and attractions around the world. But it might be some time before things look close to a pre-pandemic normal.
Here's a look at some of the other major upcoming events that have been postponed or canceled so far in 2021, as well as major attractions that aren't yet welcoming tourists:
Festivals and events
- The 2020 Olympics in Tokyo have been postponed until Summer 2021.
- All Broadway shows in New York City will remain suspended through May 30, 2021.
Museums and attractions
A staggering number of museums worldwide closed their doors due to the coronavirus pandemic. Though many have reopened, here are a few notable closures that are ongoing:
- All Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. closed, again, on Nov. 23.
- The Louvre, Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles are among the major French attractions that remain closed indefinitely.
- London remains under strict lockdown, meaning its museums, theaters, restaurants and other venues remain closed until further notice.
Related: 10 iconic museums you can tour online
Theme parks
Despite the ongoing pandemic, some theme parks have successfully reopened. Many, however, remain shuttered:
- Hong Kong Disneyland closed again, but could reopen in the coming months.
- Universal Studios Hollywood remains closed (but Universal CityWalk is open in a limited capacity).
- Disneyland in California remains closed, but was able to open a small portion of Disney California Adventure Park — without rides.
- Disneyland Paris is tentatively slated to reopen on April 2, 2021.
Related: 5 Disney World changes I hope are permanent
For more information on the coronavirus outbreak, see:
- Airline coronavirus change and cancellation policies
- 14 ways to give back during the coronavirus outbreak
- Coronavirus hotel change and cancellation policies
- Country by country guide to reopening
Additional reporting by Samantha Rosen, Melanie Lieberman and Jordyn Fields.