A number of popular tourist destinations have had to temporarily suspend receiving visitors.
Hoang Linh•March 24, 2024 20:31
To facilitate restoration and conservation efforts, several iconic tourist destinations around the world will be temporarily closed and will not be open to visitors in 2024.
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France: Following the devastating fire in 2019, Notre Dame Cathedral is undergoing meticulous restoration to regain the magnificent appearance of this leading European architectural masterpiece. After restoration, the cathedral will be equipped with special systems before reopening to visitors in December 2024. Philippe Jost, chairman of the Notre Dame reconstruction committee, said the project is expected to attract around 14 million visitors per year after reopening. Photo: Fabio Rogerio Sant Ana/UnflashSmithsonian Mansion, Washington D.C., USA: This Neo-Gothic architectural masterpiece, constructed from distinctive Maryland red sandstone, was completed in 1855. Beginning in 2023, the building temporarily closed for five years for comprehensive renovations, modernization of facilities, and preservation of dilapidated elements. Photo: Sara Cottle/UnflashThe Park Hyatt Tokyo: This iconic hotel with views of Mount Fuji is closing for a major renovation project and is expected to reopen in 2025 with modernized amenities and refreshed interiors. Photo: Fumiaki Hayashi/UnsflashNoma Restaurant, Copenhagen: This world-renowned three-Michelin-star restaurant will close in 2024 and be transformed into a food laboratory in 2025. It will become a research center for culinary innovation and the creation of new flavors. To date, it is considered the most difficult restaurant in the world to book. Photo: Yohan Marion/UnflashThe Phantom of the Opera, Broadway, New York: After 35 years since its premiere, the legendary musical based on the novel The Phantom of the Opera by French author Gaston Leroux had its final performance in 2023, marking the end of a theatrical era. Photo: Florian Wehde/UnflashElephant Trunk Rock, Taiwan: This rock formation, shaped like an elephant's trunk, had been sealed off since 2010 due to erosion risks. In December 2023, this natural structure officially collapsed, erasing a famous Taiwanese natural landmark. Photo: @love2travel-4everStar Wars Galactic Starcruiser, Disney World, Florida, USA: After 18 months of operation, Disney closed the hotel offering the immersive Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser experience at the end of September 2023. Disney described the closure of this unique attraction within the Disney World experience as a "business decision." Photo: @Jeneyrephotography
