Rijeka European Capital of Culture 2020 Adapts Program Amid Pandemic

Following the suspension of cultural activities due to COVID-19, the Rijeka European Capital of Culture 2020 team, under the leadership of Ivan Šarar and Vojko Obersnel, reevaluated their initiatives. Funding from state, municipal, and regional levels faced reductions. A summer cultural program was introduced, prioritizing social distancing measures. In the autumn, urban regeneration efforts will commence, featuring the Rijeka City Museum and the Children’s House, a 15,700-square-meter facility with a 12 million HRK (€1.7 million) investment. Beach projects inspired by Professor Balthazar will be launched, while performing arts will explore new formats to ensure safety. A reservation-only drive-in film festival honoring Fellini is also planned. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art reopened on May 12 with an exhibition by David Maljković. Rijeka and Croatia are anticipated to suffer significant economic repercussions.