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Smithsonian Castle, Washington, DC -

This historic building is undergoing a comprehensive five-year renovation that started in 2023, to modernize facilities while preserving its iconic architecture.

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Park Hyatt, Tokyo -

The iconic hotel closed in 2024 for a major renewal project and is expected to reopen in October 2025 with modernized amenities and refreshed interiors.

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Noma, Copenhagen -

The world-famous three-Michelin-star restaurant closed its doors in 2024 and will transition into a food lab by 2025, focusing on culinary innovation and exploring new flavors.

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The Phantom of the Opera, New York City -

After a historic 35-year run, this beloved Broadway show took its final bow in 2023, marking the end of an era in theater.

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Elephant Trunk Rock, Taiwan -

Erosion led to the collapse of this famed natural structure in December 2023, removing a popular and valued natural landmark from the Taiwanese landscape.

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Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser, Disney World, Florida -

The immersive Star Wars experience closed in 2023, ending its journey as a unique attraction in Disney World. Disney regarded the closure as a 'business decision.'

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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Disney World, Florida -

The beloved Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ride at Disney World, Orlando, will be closed until 2026 to undergo major repairs and upgrades.

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Centre Pompidou, Paris -

The museum is undergoing a major modernization program and is expected to remain closed until 2030 to revitalize its iconic architecture.

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Pergamonmuseum, Berlin -

This museum is closed for extensive upgrades until 2027, enhancing visitor experience while preserving its cultural treasures.

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Easter Island, Chile -

To preserve its mystical Moai statues and archaeological sites, Easter Island is limiting visitor numbers. This strategy aims to protect the island's fragile environment and its rich cultural heritage from the impacts of tourism.

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Leonardo Da Vinci's Vineyard, Milan -

Acquired by a private owner, this historic vineyard is no longer accessible to the public, shifting from a tourist site to private property.

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Splash Mountain, Disney World, and Disneyland, USA -

This classic and world-famous ride closed forever in 2023. It was renovated, rethemed, and is now Tiana's Bayou Adventure.

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Great Wall of China, Jiankou Section -

The famed Great Wall of China is closing its Jiankou section for a period. This section is closed for restoration to ensure the safety and preservation of the wall's historical integrity.

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Yellowstone National Park, USA -

To safeguard its unique geothermal features and diverse wildlife, certain areas of Yellowstone will close for infrastructure upgrades. These efforts aim to enhance visitor safety and environmental protection, ensuring the park’s natural wonders are preserved.

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Uluru, Australia -

Respecting indigenous culture and environmental concerns, access to Uluru is being restricted. This decision honors the Anangu people's request, acknowledging Uluru's cultural significance and the need to preserve its natural state. Climbing the great rock was banned in 2019.

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Louvre Museum, Paris -

The world's largest art museum is continuously evolving. Renovations in various wings, including some of its Egyptian and Near Eastern galleries, will temporarily limit access to parts of its vast collection, part of an ongoing endeavor to update and preserve the museum's offerings.

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Haiku Stairs, Honolulu, Hawaii -

The iconic Haiku Stairs are among Hawaii's most famous attractions. This twisting staircase passes through a 2,800-foot (around 850 meters)mountain trail in Kaneohe, Eastern Oahu. It was created by the US Navy during World War II and was officially closed to the public in 1987. However, hikers and tourists continued to ignore signs and barriers, accessing the stairs, which have become increasingly dangerous. Residents in the area have reportedly been dealing with disturbances from trespassers for decades, who put the treasured natural landmark at risk. While a decision was made in August 2021 to remove the stairs, the process has been delayed. Accessing the stairs remains illegal, and those who disregard the restrictions face steep fines.

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Sagrada Familia, Barcelona -

Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece continues its journey towards completion. Ongoing construction may restrict access to certain areas of the basilica, but these works are pivotal in realizing the full vision of this architectural wonder.

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Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe -

Essential maintenance on access bridges and safety upgrades are in progress. These measures are crucial for ensuring the safety of visitors and the structural integrity of the pathways surrounding this magnificent natural wonder.

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Mount Everest, Nepal/Tibet -

Due to environmental and safety concerns, climbing restrictions on Everest are being imposed. These measures aim to preserve the mountain's delicate ecosystem and ensure the safety of climbers on this challenging and revered peak.

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Venice, Italy -

To combat overcrowding and its effects on the city’s infrastructure and environment, Venice is implementing tourist quotas. This initiative seeks to maintain the city's historical charm and ecological balance, ensuring its survival as a unique world heritage site.

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Venice, Italy -

In 2025, the city introduced a fee for tourists on day trips, ranging from €5-€10 (US$5.26-$10.52). They  also ban tour guides from using loudspeakers and lockboxes used by short-term rental companies like Airbnb to store keys.

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The Catacombs, Paris -

This famous subterranean labyrinth, rich in history, will be closed for essential maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. These improvements are necessary to preserve the integrity of the catacombs, ensuring the safety and enhanced experience for future visitors to this unique historical site.

Sources: (CNN) (Jasmine Alley) 

See also: Tourists who've ruined historic artifacts and attractions

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