The administration of the Japanese village of Fujikawaguchiko at the foot of Mount Fuji made a decision concerning establishing a barrier in one of the most popular photo spots overlooking this famous mountain. They have every reason to do so. However, people are still unhappy with this decision.
This situation concerns that the excessive popularity of this photo zone has led to a significant load on the local ecosystem. Numerous tourists often go beyond the designated routes, trample vegetation, which leads to soil erosion. The barrier will serve to restrict access to vulnerable areas, preserving natural landscapes in their pristine form.
In addition, Fuji is not only a natural but also a cultural symbol of Japan, and restricting access preserves the place for future generations, minimizing the damage from mass tourism. After the installation of the barrier, the administration of the village plans to create new observation decks and routes that will ensure a comfortable and safe stay for tourists, while preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of the region.
This is far from the only popular tourist site that has recently been closed to the public. Let's talk about other famous tourist sites that are not available in 2024 - some have been closed for reconstruction, others forever.
Centre Pompidou in Paris
Despite its ultra-modern appearance, the Pompidou Center in Paris has worn out for 60 years, so after the Summer Olympics in 2024, this famous museum will close its doors for a time - until 2030 - for a large-scale modernization program, for which € 260 million has been allocated, which will make your stay in the museum even more comfortable and eventful.
While the Center is under reconstruction, it would be wise for lovers of contemporary art to pay attention to other significant cultural sites. For example, a related project is being actively developed in Brussels - a new Pompidou Museum, which is scheduled to open in 2025.
Splash Mountain attraction in the USA
In 2023, Splash Mountain, which is one of Disneyland's most famous attractions, suspended working in the United States. Based on the 1946 film Song of the South, it has long been heavily criticized for its unethical approach to portraying slavery and racial discrimination. Consequently, Disney Studios made a decision concerning of closing the attraction in its former form. However, this does not mean that it will become a thing of the past forever: the company has already announced plans to restart the attraction in an updated form.
The new version of the attraction will be called Tiana's Bayou Adventure. The idea of this amusement is based on the animated film The Princess and the Frog, released in 2009. Everything here is tolerant and quite in the spirit: the main character Tiana is the first African-American Disney princess, and the plot unfolds in the rich and bright atmosphere of New Orleans.
Musical "The Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway
Last year, the legendary 35-year history on Broadway was completed by the cult musical The Phantom of the Opera. This evening was marked by the finishing of nearly 14,000 performances, which were attended by millions of viewers for decades. This musical has gained the status of the longest-running show in Broadway history, overtaking leading positions of such masterpieces as "Cats", "Les Miserables" and "Chorus Line". At the heart of the show, the novel by Gaston Leroux is laid, the composer is Andrew Lloyd Webber. This musical has gained a status of a symbol of theatrical art, which set new standards in the world of musical theatre.
Annually, every evening on the stage of the Majestic Theater, the artists again revived the mysterious Phantom, his beloved Christine and the dramatic struggle for her heart, allowing the audience to immerse in the atmosphere of the Parisian opera of the late XIX century.
The musical has considered a phenomenon, which significantly influenced the development of the entire industry. Its popularity spread far beyond New York: The Phantom of the Opera was staged in London, Tokyo, Sydney and many other cities around the world, making it one of the most successful and beloved musicals of all time.
Pergamon Museum in Berlin
The Pergamon Museum is a place, where the famous Ishtar Gate is stored. It is the eighth gate of the fortress walls of ancient Babylon, which is a part of the Berlin Museum Island complex, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This museum attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. However, unfortunately it has temporarily closed until 2027, as a huge modernization program begins.
The Pergamon Museum modernization project stipulates improvement of the conditions for visitors and exhibits, as well as preservation of unique artifacts, which represent the cultural heritage of humanity. Also the reconstruction provides creation of a new central pedestrian zone. So, visitors are waiting for a convenient access to all parts of the museum, and expanding the exhibition halls, which will allow for a more complete presentation of the rich collections.
Taking into account the temporary closure of the museum, travelers are provided with the opportunity to visit its exposition: the Das Panorama complex operates in Berlin, where some exhibits from the collection will be on display.
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
Notre Dame Cathedral was damaged by a devastating fire in 2019. The restoration rapidly continues, paying attention to each detail. The restoration of this iconic architectural monument, which dates back more than eight centuries of history, will be another testament to the triumph of human skill and faith. Reconstruction work aimes at returning Notre Dame to its original appearance: every detail is carefully restored, including the famous spire that collapsed during the fire. Eagerly awaited by millions around the world, the cathedral is scheduled to open in December 2024, an event that promises to be a historic moment not only for Paris, but for the entire global cultural community.
While the restoration work continues, tourists have the opportunity to visit other breathtaking cathedrals. Among them is Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille, which towers over the city, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Often referred to as the "Guardian of Marseille", this cathedral is an important symbol of the city, attracting many visitors with its opulent interiors and mosaics.
Smithsonian Castle in Washington, D.C.
In February 2023, the Smithsonian Castle, one of Washington's most iconic buildings, temporarily closed to visitors, as a large-scale renovation begins. According to the project, these works will last about five years. The castle was built in the mid-19th century, nowadays having a status of the centerpiece of the Smithsonian Institution, also serving as its headquarters. The restoration stipulates the preservation of its historical appearance, and renovation of interior spaces, ensuring compliance with modern requirements and improvement of conditions for visitors.
The Smithsonian Castle suspended working due to reconstruction. However, residents and trevelers of Washington have opportunity to visit two other museums, which have completed renovations and resumed activities. One of them is the National Air and Space Museum, which is considered as one of the most popular museums in the United States. It has gained popularity due to unique exhibits dedicated to the history of aviation and space exploration. You should also pay attention to the exposition of the National Museum of Women's Art.
Star Wars Hotel: Galactic Starcruiser
The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel, based on the famous Star Wars saga, closed in 2023 due to its unprofitability. This unique hotel, which was designed in the style of a spaceship, offered guests a full range of hotel services, allowed to immerse in the world of a galaxy, far away.
Visitors had the opportunity to undergo preparation in the art of wielding a lightsaber to feel like a real Jedi. In addition, hotel guests met droids and iconic characters from the Star Wars universe, creating an atmosphere of complete immersion in a fantasy world.
