Authorities in some European countries are beginning to phase out the lockdown restrictions imposed earlier this year in an effort to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Austria, the government has given the go-ahead for cultural institutions to open from mid-may. Some institutions, however, such as Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Belvedere will delay opening until July as an additional precautionary measure. Belgium, will also reopen institutions in mid-May in a phased plan that will still implement restrictions on public gatherings.
State museums in Berlin are due to open as early as 4 May whilst some museums in the state of Brandenburg are already open as of last week. The government remains cautious and recommends strict measures.
In Italy, where the virus has had the most devastating impact, museums will gradually re-open in May with Uffizi Gallery and Galleria Borghese both opening from 3 May. Prime minister Giuseppe Conte emphasised that, ‘Responsible behavior by each one of us will be fundamental. If we don’t respect the precautions, the curve will rise again’.
