The mayor of Venice, Luigo Brugnaro, has announced that its civic museums, 11 institutions including the Doge’s Palace, Palazzo Fortuny, and the Museo Correr, are to remain closed until at least 1 April, when the tourist season usually begins. Museums across Italy have been closed due to national restrictions since 5 November, but these are only in effect until 15 January. Brugnaro has stated that, because the museums in Venice depend largely on tourists, there is a ‘business logic’ to keeping them closed until they can have more visitors. A petition calling for him to reverse his decision is circulating with some 3,000 signatures gathered so far.
As the cultural landscape of the Middle East continues to evolve, Abu Dhabi is preparing to unveil one of its most anticipated artistic milestones. On 11 December 2026, the long-awaited Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will officially open its doors, marking a transformative moment not only for the UAE but also for the international art world.