Italy Reopens Museums, Cinemas, and Theaters from April 26 in Yellow Zones

After months of nationwide restrictions, the Italian government announced a phased reopening of cultural venues starting April 26, 2021. Prime Minister Mario Draghi stated that the decision is based on improving pandemic data and relies on continued compliance with safety protocols such as mask-wearing and social distancing. The reopening applies only to regions classified as "yellow zones" (low risk), while orange and red zones must wait. Museums, cinemas, theaters, and concert halls can reopen both outdoors and indoors, with capacity increased from 25% to 50%, up to 500 spectators indoors and 1,000 outdoors. A curfew remains from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. The Vatican Museums announced they will reopen on May 3. Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro expressed readiness to reopen the city's museums on April 24-25. Trade fairs are scheduled to resume from July 1, welcomed by Antonella Mansi of the Florence Center for Italian Fashion and Claudio Marenzi of Pitti Immagine. The government also allows free movement between yellow zones, while travel between different color zones requires a vaccination certificate or negative COVID test.