Italy Reopens Museums but Keeps Cinemas and Theaters Closed Under Coronavirus Decree

On March 1, 2020, Italy's Council of Ministers signed the 'Coronavirus Decree,' implementing measures to contain the virus spread across regions. In the 'red zone' of 11 municipalities, museums and cultural institutions were closed, along with schools and universities. In the 'yellow zone' (Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, and provinces of Pesaro, Urbino, Savona), museums reopened until March 8 with restrictions ensuring one-meter distancing and limited attendance, while cinemas, theaters, and large events remained suspended. Nationwide, school trips were banned until March 15. The French Embassy in Rome closed the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi to the public on the same day. The decree allowed museums to operate under controlled conditions, but left cinemas and theaters closed, raising questions about inconsistent treatment of cultural sectors. The article notes that theaters and cinemas could also enforce distancing by limiting seats, suggesting a political choice to favor museums over other entertainment venues.