Austrian and German Galleries Reopen After COVID-19 Lockdown

After approximately one month of total lockdown, Austria entered Phase 2 of its COVID-19 emergency management on April 14, 2020, allowing small shops and galleries to reopen. The country reported 14,553 confirmed cases and 431 deaths, a relatively low toll attributed by Chancellor Sebastian Kurz to extensive testing and monitoring. Face masks are mandatory in supermarkets, public transport, and taxis. Galleries such as Galerie Emanuel Layr in Vienna announced reopening from April 22, with exhibitions by Tillman Kaiser and Cecile B. Evans. Museums are expected to reopen from mid-May, but large events remain banned until August 31. In Germany, similar measures apply: masks required, social distancing, and shops under 800 square meters can reopen. Berlin gallery Dittrich & Schlechtriem plans to reopen on Monday with extended hours and a new weekly small exhibition series in its viewing room, announced via social media. Museums in Germany remain closed with no set date. Both countries aim to mitigate economic damage while avoiding healthcare system collapse.