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'Culture' on Planet Attractions


Chuck E. Cheese and the American Society for Deaf Children have partnered up on an initiative that aims to foster greater inclusivity for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families


Already the largest of its kind in Europe, here’s how the Signal light festival worked with Christie to bring the spectacle to life


First-of-its-kind research from Historic England has quantified the impact of local heritage on residents, with the annual economic benefit of historic sites in the country worth an estimated £29bn


With the entertainment industry expected to contribute around US$23bn to Saudi Arabia by 2030, it’s no wonder that SEA Expo continues to grow at pace with the rapidly expanding market. Here’s what to expect for its sixth edition this May


The Disney Cruise Line has shared new details about its upcoming island destination Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, the tropical retreat in the Bahamas promising to bring the magic when it opens to guests this June.


Adirondack Studios has named Jeff Moulton, former director of Client Delivery for RWS Global’s Holland America Line division, as the company’s new VP of Project Delivery


The UK’s Science Museum Group has revealed a significant partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Culture which includes the development of a new Museums Hub in Riyadh as the two nations focus on boosting co-operation, cultural exchange and more in the museum sector


McDonald’s is bringing its manga counterpart to life with its new ‘WcDonald's’ campaign introducing an immersive dining experience among other anime-themed products


London’s V&A museum is on the hunt for an official adviser to share their knowledge of Taylor Swift.


As staff at the Eiffel Tower continue to strike over the monument's management, France’s culture minister has suggested classifying the iconic building as a national monument, which would allow the state to help fund necessary works


The British Museum has been bombarded with social media messages from Chilean Instagram users demanding the return the institution’s iconic Easter Island statues from its collection


The troubled Miami Seaquarium is facing further problems, with the county the animal attraction is located inside seeking to terminate its lease.


Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Ministry has implemented an entrance fee at a Unesco World Heritage Site in Istanbul.


Rachida Dati has been appointed culture minister of France following a reshuffle announced by new French prime minister Gabriel Attal in January.


Artists from across the world are set to travel to the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius later this month as they display their illumination projects for the sixth annual Vilnius Light Festival.


A cultural attraction dedicated to China’s Great Wall will become a national museum when it reopens in 2025 following an extensive renovation


Heritage bodies have welcomed a last-minute intervention by Rima Abdul Malak - France’s culture minister - who has halted the demolition of a building once part of the laboratory for famous French scientist Marie Curie.


The British Museum has been branded ‘astonishingly out of touch’ after announcing its decision to accept a record-breaking £50m donation from oil giant BP


A new visitor attraction dedicated to Manchester City has opened its doors in Abu Dhabi, with the new City Challenge offering visitors a chance to show off their footballing skills through a range of immersive experiences


Alterface is eyeing malls and FECs in China for its Action League Interactive Thrill Ride, after the company announced its first such attraction in the country is set to open at Suzhou Paradise Forest World in May next year


Argentina no longer has a Ministry of Culture after its new President Javier Milei abolished the government office one day into his four year tenure


Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture has revealed its latest set of data on the war-torn country’s cultural and heritage sites, with 863 confirmed to have been damaged or destroyed since the start of Russia’s invasion.


Two manatees reportedly kept in “ever-deteriorating conditions” at the Miami Seaquarium will soon be released to a sanctuary following a campaign by animal rights activists.


The Guggenheim Museum has announced that Mariët Westermann - the current vice chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi - will be the next director and CEO of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation.


IAAPA Expo is making its grand return to Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center this week, with the 2023 edition of the event selling out its trade show floor for the first time since 2019


A US$1.2m underwater museum is set to open to the public by the end of the year, with the Spirit of SXM Sculpture Park coming to the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean.


Unesco representatives have travelled to Ukraine to asses damage on cultural sites in the city of Chernihiv.


A major cultural attraction has opened its doors in Manchester, with the £210m Aviva Studios representing the largest investment in a national cultural project since the opening of Tate Modern in 2000


Dubai Parks and Resorts and Global Village have joined forces with charity Pink Caravan to provide direct, accessible support and raise awareness about breast cancer.


Yorkshire’s Craven Museum has beaten off competition from some of the UK’s top museums, galleries, historic homes and heritage sites to be named the winner of this year’s Family Friendly Museum Award


The British Museum was “the victim of an inside job” when a string of items were stolen, the chair of trustees George Osborne has said.


The Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) in the US, has announced the launch of Seeding Action; a new initiative to support science centre, museums and other public engagement networks to cultivate “a culture of hope and action” on environmental issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss.


Alex Book, co-founder and chief strategy officer at Arcade – The Creative Reality Company, explains how attractions and cultural institutions can make use of immersive technologies to reach new audiences


Universal is planning to further capitalise on its portfolio of horror IPs, utilising more than 90 years of cinematic experiences to further boost its presence in the licensing sector.


Record numbers of retailers and visitors from France, Germany, Italy and Spain were in attendance at this year’s Brand Licensing Europe (BLE), with this year’s event placing special emphasis on location based entertainment (LBE).


Saudi Arabia has announced plans to create a giant new nature reserve in the kingdom.


IAAPA is gearing up for its largest EMEA event ever, with the 2023 edition of IAAPA Expo Europe taking place in Vienna between September 25 - 28. Here’s everything you need to know about the event


Plans have been announced to develop a ‘tent city’ in northern India offering visitors to the destination water sports and hot air balloon rides among the activities available.


Sir Keir Starmer, British leader of the opposition, has named Thangam Debbonaire, MP of Bristol West, as shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport.


Path Entertainment Group and Hasbro recently worked together to produce a world-first immersive Monopoly experience. Path CEO David Hutchinson shares all with Planet Attractions


The long-awaited Showtown Museum in Blackpool, UK, finally has an opening date.


Visit Carlsberg in Copenhagen, Denmark, is to reopen as Home of Carlsberg this December after undergoing extensive improvement works


Unesco recently organised an intensive training course for representatives of cultural heritage sites across Ukraine threatened by increasingly frequent attacks.


New research has found that the majority of the UK public is concerned that funding cuts will lead to the closure of heritage sites and cultural attractions.


Peter van der Schans has now been at the helm of IAAPA’s EMEA operations for more than a year. He shares with Planet Attractions how that year has gone and the progress being made in the global attractions markets of Europe, the Middle East and Africa


An ex-Welsh government minister is calling for the free entry policy to Wales' museums to be reconsidered due to financial pressures.


IAAPA has offered a first glimpse at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, taking place in Vienna, Austria, in September


The Museum of Pop Culture (Mopop) in Seattle, US, has removed all mention of J.K. Rowling from its


Historic England has announced the appointment of Conservative peer Lord Neil Mendoza as its new chair.


The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame has opened following a two-year planning and design process led by JRA, part of RWS Global


Work is set to start on Bali’s highly-anticipated Paramount theme park, with the major development representing the largest of its kind for the Indonesian tourist destination


London’s Horniman Museum has been awarded £5.7m by the National Lottery Heritage Fund for its Nature + Love project


The Italian state has called on France’s Louvre to return seven archeological treasures currently on display at the famous museum.


The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of Asfar - a new company designed to support the growth of the kingdom’s tourism sector


Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has announced the protection of 64 cultural sites in line with the new Cultural Heritage law.


The National Railway Museum in Yorkshire, UK, has opened its largest new gallery in more than a decade, with the launch of the £6m ‘Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery’.


New research from environmental group Greenpeace has found that extreme weather conditions, caused by climate change, are already a significant threat to ancient heritage sites in China


A new bill passed by the US’s House Appropriations Committee could jeopardise the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino by effectively banning the institution from spending tax payer money on the project


The UK’s national tourism board VisitBritain/VisitEngland is to open a new head office in Birmingham.


Unesco says it’s deeply dismayed over an attack carried out by the Russian forces, which hit several cultural sites in the city centre of Odesa, while President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pledged retaliation for the act


A major US$2bn theme park and resort development comparable to the likes of Disney and Universal is set to open in 2026 in the state of Oklahoma


A young entrepreneur has raised upwards of US$100,000 in her ambition to build a theme park dedicated to the US state of Texas.


Disney is seeking 100 applicants from black and underrepresented communities across the US for the 2024 edition of its Dreamers Academy scheme


France’s National Assembly has voted unanimously to adopt a new law that makes it significantly easier for public institutions to return Nazi-looted objects in their collections.


The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is set to return six objects currently in its in collection to Sri Lanka, marking the first time colonial objects from the museum’s collection will be returned to their point of origin.


Officials have approved plans to regenerate the pier, theatre and seafront of a British seaside town, with the £5m set to see Skegness transformed in the coming years.


Ireland’s government is introducing an expert committee to create national guidelines for any cultural institutions’ handling of items of unknown provenance, as well as advising the government on how to handle restitution and repatriation of culturally sensitive items.


Registration is now open for this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe event, which is set to make its return to Vienna, Austria, in September


Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism board has revealed ambitious plans to grow its tourism economy to 24 million visitors a year


Heritage sites in Ghana are planning to revitalise the African country’s museum experience with the introduction of the new Museum Theatre Project.


The Met and the Smithsonian have worked with the US Army to help train soldiers in preserving and protecting cultural heritage in conflict zones


The UK’s Peace Museum has been awarded a £250,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund that will see the museum relocate to Saltaire, a World Heritage village in West Yorkshire


An African throne taken by European colonisers in more than a century ago has had a King take a seat in it once more.


Morph has arrived in London for a wheelchair accessible public art trail, with the event to run until August in an effort to raise money for the children’s charity Whizz Kidz


Concerns have been raised after local government passed a bill allowing intensive irrigated strawberry farming on a World Heritage-protected wetland in Spain


A new exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, UK, will explore the city’s, and its famous university’s, links to the slave trade and exploitation.


Leading engineering and construction group SNC-Lavalin has been awarded a two-year project management consultancy services contract by the Saudi Ministry of Culture to support the development of Historic Jeddah, a Unesco World Heritage site.


Saudi Arabia has introduced a midday work ban to protect the safety and health of workers operating in direct sunlight at the hottest point of the day.


A summer of pop-up events is planned for Bergamo and Brescia - two cities that have been jointly named the 2023 Italian Capital of Culture.


Saudi Arabia is set to invest a further US$800bn on top of the US$1tn investment it has already made in tourism, with even more new projects set to come up in the kingdom over the course of the next decade


A new attraction combining food, culture and tourism has broken ground in Chongqing, with the Dezhuang Hot Pot Manor now under construction in the Chinese city.


Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Malaysia’s deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture minister, has said that the theme park and family attraction industry will be an important hub for the country’s tourism industry.


The RQ Water Experience Park and Spa, a new waterpark offering 21 pools and a spectacular water slide tower, will open in Hungary in June


A new Ferris wheel attraction in China will open later this month on the traditional holiday of the Dragon Boat Festival.


With huge floods hitting northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region in May, the country’s museums are playing their part in helping recovery, raising prices by €1 as part of a wider €2bn aid package.


A new immersive visitor attraction will open its doors at the Dubai Mall later this year


The Biden administration has banned all new gas and oil drilling at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site in New Mexico, US, for the next 20 years.


The British Museum has refuted claims that it has ended its commercial partnership with BP following reports that the institution had ended its 27-year relationship with the fossil fuel giant


Qatar has launched an exhibition showcasing plans for four new museums, with the Art Mill Museum, Lusail Museum, Qatar Auto Museum and Dadu Children’s Museum of Qatar all to open in the country by the end of the decade


An expansion of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) in Delhi will make the institution the largest art and culture centre in India when it opens in 2026.


Scotland’s Natural & Cultural Heritage Fund (NCHF) has awarded a share of £22m (US$27m, €25m) to more than a dozen tourist attractions in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, as part of a new scheme to promote tourism in the area.


The city of San Francisco is aiming to become the first in the US to achieve World Heritage status, with a task force launched to pursue a nomination from Unesco.


BBC Studios is to launch a collection of immersive experiences on metaverse platform; The Sandbox later this year


The Denver Museum of Nature and Science in Colorado, US, is to close a gallery dedicated to Indigenous people and culture, which it says perpetuates racist stereotypes.


Japanese architecture firm Kengo Kuma & Associates has won an international design competition to design a new visitor centre at Butrint National Park in Albania


A new exhibition celebrating and exploring the life and times of iconic English footballer Paul Gascoigne has opened its doors in London


The Andy Warhol Museum has named Aaron Levi Garvey as its new chief curator with Garvey set to take up the position in the summer.


A new brand home dedicated to Pilsner Urquell has opened its doors in Prague. BRC’s Christian Lachel tells Planet Attractions how the attraction celebrates the brand’s place in Czech history and culture


Jeff Shell has been removed from his position as CEO of NBCUniversal following a misconduct investigation


Work has started on a new agriculture museum dedicated to cannabis in Atlantic City. The museum is one of several marijuana-themed projects greenlit by the city in the hopes of attracting a new wave of ‘weed tourists’


Centre Pompidou, a contemporary art museum in Paris, France, has signed agreements that will see the opening of two new overseas outposts in South Korea and Saudi Arabia.


Hong Kong’s tourism board has announced its “return to its position as Asia’s cruise hub”, following 160 ship calls from 16 cruise lines so far in 2023.


Sega Sammy Holdings has agreed a deal to acquire Rovio, with Sega aiming to accelerate its mobile gaming capabilities while also acquiring a powerful IP in the world of entertainment


You can experience Carnegie Science Center with a roaring twenties twist on April 14, with the popular attraction set to host a special adults-only speakeasy night


Leading trade body Experience UK is gearing up for its first-ever ‘Experience on Main Street’ conference


Among the exhibitors at this year’s Seatrade are a range of tourism bodies representing all the global cruise ports and related attractions from around the world. Over at the Virgin Islands stand, this colourful character was showcasing some of the destinations culture for attendees.


Christie has teamed up with Brazil’s Museum of Image and Sound of Ceará on the installation of an immersive multimedia room as part of a revamp of the historic institution


A cargo port controversially seized from a US company last week by the Mexican government has been earmarked for an XCaret style water and theme park, as well as a docking point for cruise ships


The upcoming Milwaukee Public Museum will celebrate its home state of Wisconsin with a permanent gallery dedicated to the region.


The City Art Gallery in Southampton, UK, is set to undergo urgent roof repairs after receiving a £2.23m (US$2.74m, €2.52m) grant from the UK’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).


SeaTrade Cruise Global is returning to Florida. Here’s everything you need to know...


More than 70 cultural organisations across Britain are to be given a financial boost by the government so they can improve people’s access to arts, support local economic growth through culture and safeguard vital local collections for future generations.


Thousands of UK museum and heritage workers have joined industrial action protesting against low pay and other working conditions.


Equity is different from equality, and on International Women’s Day Una de Boer reflects how to support this foundational step towards a more just world


The Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida, has introduced a new wheelchair-bound character to the ‘It’s a Small World’ attraction.


The Young V&A, formerly the V&A Museum of Childhood, will reopen in East London, after a multi-year, multi-million-pound redevelopment


Original costumes, set designs, drawings and handwritten lyrics will allow visitors to V&A East to trace David Bowie’s creative process across six decades


Dippy the Dinosaur has been unveiled at its new home in Coventry’s Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.


Cruise operator Hurtigruten Expeditions has welcomed explorer Alex McNeil to its team, with McNeil set to develop the company’s next generation of expedition cruises.


London’s Science Museum signed a sponsorship deal with Norwegian oil and gas company Equinor, with the agreement meaning the museum would not say anything that could damage the firm’s reputation.


A ceremony celebrating the first German-Jewish sites to receive Unesco World Heritage designation was held in Germany earlier this month.


London is set to emulate New York’s Highline with its own version running from Camden to St Pancras. Here’s everything you need to know about the £14m project


After expanding its horizons in Málaga, Shanghai and Brussels, with the prospect of a spinoff in the pipeline for Jersey City, US, in 2025, the Pompidou Center will soon be putting its expertise to work in Saudi Arabia.


SeaWorld is expanding its network of rescue centres with the launch of Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue - the first such SeaWorld site to open outside of the US


Three names involved in the tourism and attractions industries have been named in the Dubai 100 - a list representing the 100 most powerful people in the UAE city.


Another cultural addition to the Manchester scene in 2023 will be the re-opening of the Manchester Museum, which closed in August 2021 to undergo a £15m (US$18.2m, €17m) renovation.


A new contemporary art museum and cultural centre inspired by the ‘Madchester’ music scene of the 1990s will open in Manchester, UK, in June.


Workers at the British Museum along with a number of other institutions across the UK are set to go on strike in February


A Spanish museum has returned two 15th-century paintings to Poland after discovering that they had been looted by Nazi forces in World War II.


The Peranakan Museum in Singapore will reopen in February following a four-year refurbishment process.


Kids in Museums has launched a new initiative aimed at having young people discuss, learn and advocate for the future of the museum sector


Another mega project has been announced for Saudi Arabia, with the PIF’s Seven announcing plans for a SAR1bn entertainment destination in the city of Tabuk


accesso has signed a series of new strategic agreements with 18 attractions, culture, hospitality and ski partners across the UK and the US.


Disney’s Lunar New Year Celebrations have made a triumphant return to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, US.


A new Eden Project in Morecambe is one of the major projects to receive funding as part of the British government’s Levelling Up scheme.


A ‘radical, once-in-a-generation’ development will see Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum undergo a year-long transformation starting in June


An application by the Taliban to add a historic garden in Kabul to the World Heritage List lies in limbo.


After a difficult few years the museum sector is showing promising signs of recovery with several exciting projects set to open this year. Here are 14 of 2023’s most anticipated museum openings


Following Argentina’s historic win at the 2022 World Cup, the student accommodation that global footballing icon Lionel Messi stayed in is set to be turned into its own mini museum


The Museum of London is introducing a new digital platform in 2024, with the institution saying the move will “revolutionise” its online offerings.


Rodin Museum officials have decided to pull out of a €16m project in the Canary Islands, which would have seen an outpost of the famous institution built in Santa Cruz de Tenerife


A collection of more than 140 authentic Viking artefacts, including a full-size replica of a Viking ship, is set to go on display in the US at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Science Center.


Spy x Family - a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Tatsuya Endo - is coming to Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in 2023.


Professionals working in the creative field can now apply for a UAE Cultural Golden Visa, a permit which grants the holder a 10-year residency in the country.


The highly-anticipated Pipeline surf coaster is coming to SeaWorld Orlando this spring. SeaWorld’s vice president of rides and engineering, Jonathan Smith, spoke to Planet Attractions about the project


Hasbro’s Monopoly Lifesized has opened in Riyadh following a three-way partnership between the toy manufacturer, the Al Hokair Group and The Path Entertainment Group


Culture, heritage and sport sites are set to receive £4.5m over the next three years to support actions in the Welsh Government’s Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan


Merlin executive Fiona Eastwood has been promoted to oversee the operator’s global portfolio of theme parks and midway attractions


Directors from The Met, British Museum, Louvre and National Gallery have signed an open letter published by ICOM condemning the ‘risky endangerment’ of irreplaceable artworks in climate demonstrations


A new permanent exhibition exploring life on Mars has opened at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, US


A new exhibition set to open in 2023 will feature the late Chadwick Boseman’s iconic costume worn in Marvel’s Black Panther.


Princess Cruises has debuted a brand new immersive experience that combines dining, storytelling, music, scent and more for a one-of-a-kind journey through the Mediterranean


A major project in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District is now 25% complete, tourism chiefs have revealed.


Russia’s lethal barrage of strikes against Ukrainian cities this week has seen a number of cultural sites in the capital of Kyiv hit



Museums and galleries in England and Wales will be given unprecedented powers to dispose of objects in their collections if there is a compelling moral obligation to do so, under a new law.


Live streaming tour platform Heygo is venturing into the culture sector, with the company announcing a number of partnerships with various museums to “create a space for all to interact, learn and connect with like-minded people”.


The Louvre is among a number of French cultural institutions and landmarks turning their lights off in an attempt to cut soaring energy costs


A panel of industry legends will share their stories about the creation and evolution of Disney’s Epcot at this year’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida


UK museums have warned that they may be unable to provide planned ‘warm banks’ this winter, due to rising energy bills.


Britain’s new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, has named Michelle Donelan as culture secretary.


The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) has named Matthew Gould its new director general.


LIFT 109 - an experience coming to London’s iconic Battersea Power Station - has opened pre-sale ticket registration for the new attraction.


Hongkou attraction to honour city’s avant-garde literary movement of the 1920s and its respected authors


A touring Louis Vuitton exhibition has landed in Los Angeles, California, US, with


Planet Attractions travelled to Belgium recently to meet Peter van der Schans, IAAPA’s new executive director and vice president for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. Here’s what he had to say


Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission has announced plans to transform its museum sector, unveiling a new strategy, which will see the number and types of museums across the Kingdom increase in an attempt to boost visitor numbers.


The Museum of London has declared its final event before its demolition ahead of a move to a new site, with the institution working on an “epic leaving party” - one which could potentially last all night.


Florida’s Clearwater Marine Aquarium has debuted a new exhibit exploring the science of dolphins, while also using art and interactive activities to highlight the animals’ connection to humans.


An official stage production based on Stranger Things is in the works after the series became Netflix’s first English-language show to be viewed for more than one billion hours


Glastonbury founder, Michael Eavis has been commemorated with a specially-commissioned portrait at the National Portrait Gallery. He has also been named as a patron of Somerset’s Radstock Museum


Colour deficient and colour-blind visitors to Australia’s Chau Chak Wing Museum are now being offered special glasses to see works of art in clear, vibrant colour for the first time


Chinese operator Fantawild has opened a brand new attraction today, with the Huai'an-based Glorious Orient theme park building on the country’s ‘red tourism’ drive.


Ottawa’s tourism body has granted special museum status to a collection of 76 festivals, restaurants, concert venues, and attractions as a way to shine a light on some of the city's cultural hidden gems.


The Science and Industry Museum has received a generous donation from The Law Family Charitable Foundation for the refurbishment of its Power Hall


SeaWorld has pledged to ensure the long-term health of the world’s oceans in accordance with the UN’s Sustainability Development Goal 14


The Hong Kong Palace Museum is the newest addition to the West Kowloon Cultural District with the HK$3.5bn attraction set to open its doors to the public for the first time next month



Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh has named Gina Winstead its new vice president for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA).


The Portland Museum of Art (PMA) in Maine, US, has launched an international competition for a new US$45m (€42.2m, £36m) extension that will see the historic art centre double its exhibition space.


Anika Noni Rose, who voiced Tiana in the 2009 hit, revealed that The Princess and the Frog ride could open in 2024 during an appearance on US morning show Live with Kelly and Ryan


The concert series, the second such partnership between Sofar Sounds and Tiqets, will see artists perform at iconic attractions in London and San Francisco.


A new addition to Universal Studios Singapore slated to open in 2024 has broken ground, with work starting on the park's upcoming Minion Land.


It’s a busy year for WhiteWater, which has more than 70 waterpark projects across the world opening in 2022. We’ve rounded these projects up so you can keep track of everything happening this year


Google Arts & Culture celebrated Internation Museum Day with the launch of three new mind-bending AR art filters


Waterpark supplier WhiteWater has been awarded the prestigious Gold Standard status as one of Canada’s best-managed companies.


Construction has started on the King Salman Park’s Royal Arts Complex, which once complete will act as a cultural hub for the Saudi capital of Riyadh


‘The Pop District’ from The Andy Warhol Museum will feature a larger cultural hub for live music, events, public art, expanded programming and a home for creative workplace development


Following his re-election as France’s President last month, Emmanuel Macron has announced that Lebanese-born politician Rima Abdul Malak will take up the role of minister of culture.


The Natural History Museum is partnering with the University of Reading on a major new digitisation centre to be built at the Thames Valley Science Park


With the support of Unesco, the worldwide #MuseumWeek event is set to take place next month, with museums being encouraged to share seven posts over seven days on seven topics with seven different hashtags on the theme of culture, society and innovation.


FORREC’s Anthony Van Dam is set to leave the company after 34 years following his retirement announcement


NEMO - the Network of European Museum Organisations - was recently represented at a major conference at the invitation of the French Ministry of Culture.


A new arts space highlighting work from LGBTQ+ artists will open its doors in London next month


Leaders in the themed entertainment industry gathered last month for the return of TEA Summit and Thea Awards Gala for the first time in two years. Christine Kerr on behalf of the TEA and Nicole Sangster from Thea Award recipients Simworx both report on the event


Unesco’s World Heritage Committee meeting in Kazan has been indefinitely postponed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine


As part of its continued transformation, Disney World’s Epcot has officially opened Connections Café - a new addition promising a unique dining experience for its visitors.


Online gardening marketplace Sproutl has formed a strategic partnership with one of Britain’s most-visited attractions - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.


Starting this August, Katherine E. Fleming will take the reins at the J. Paul Getty Trust, leading the institution’s mission to advance and share the world's art and cultural heritage for the benefit of all


Organisations including the Auschwitz Memorial and Europa Nostra, as well as the UK’s culture minister Nadine Dorries, have called on Unesco to change the location of its 45th annual World Heritage Committee meeting, which is currently scheduled to take place in Russia



A T-Rex skeleton sold for more than US$31.8m (€28.9m, £25m) in 2020 has found a new home as the centrepiece of the upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.


The study explored the impact of ‘cultural capital’ on exam results of children from different social classes


The immersive experiential design firm won in the category for ‘Best Use of VR’ for its Machu Picchu and the Spirit of the Condor virtual reality (VR) experience


San Diego Zoo has launched one of its most ambitious ever additions, with the brand-new US$69m Wildlife Explorers Basecamp showcasing a number of different ecosystems through a series of immersive experiences


Following a move in 2019 where the German culture ministry decided that a consortium of Berlin’s major institutions, including the Hamburger Bahnhof and the Neue Nationalgalerie, would be broken up, the new structure of these institutions would see Hamburger Bahnhof gained not one new head, but two.


Lonnie Bunch, 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, has released a statement on behalf of the organisation, pledging its support to the people of Ukraine and their cultural heritage. In the statement, Bunch revealed that the Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative (SCRI) is in contact with people in the country in order to facilitate the preservation of Ukraine’s history.


In order for theme parks to run operations in a smooth and efficient manner, internal communications are key. Ross McCaw, CEO and founder of OurPeople, tells us more


The UN cultural organisation is aiming to mark as many key heritage sites with the Hague Convention emblem, which protects cultural heritage in the event of armed conflict


Miami Seaquarium’s new owners will no longer stage orca shows following a new agreement with federal regulators


The major exhibition at the National Railway Museum is the latest in a series of events to be axed as UK cultural institutions move to show their support to Ukraine


The Ivankiv Historical and Local History Museum was burned to the ground as Russia continues its aggressive invasion of the country


The National Portrait Gallery and BP have decided to mutually end their decades-long commercial partnership


Here are all the events you should be attending this month


The Qiddiya Investment Company is developing Saudi Arabia’s first-ever waterpark, with the mammoth investment set to cost a whopping US$750m


Escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia have seen Ukrainian institutions prepare security and evacuation plans should the worst happen


Officials at the British Museum reportedly recently met with BP officials to discuss options for support ‘post Spring 2023’, hinting at a likely renewal of the controversial partnership


The Motown Museum has been given a million dollar boost towards its US$55m expansion campaign


Crossing four continents and stopping off at more than 100 landing sites, Hurtigruten Expeditions has announced a series of cruises set to travel all the way from the Arctic to Antarctica


With so many big things coming in the year ahead, we’ve rounded up all the key events taking place this year. Welcome to your attractions calendar for 2022.


The Jean Nouvel-designed Museum of Art Pudong has been in operation for six months. Alice Davis paid a visit to the cultural newcomer in Shanghai


Art and entertainment collective Meow Wolf has partnered with audio simulation platform Spatial to create a ‘never before seen’ pop up experience at this year’s SXSW festival in Austin, Texas.


The Museum of East Anglian Life is set to undergo a name change in the hopes that a new emphasis on food will broaden its audience appeal


Honouring East Asian traditions, Disney’s Lunar New Year celebration has returned to the Disneyland Resort in California


Political unrest in Kazakhstan has seen a group of protestors invade the state museum in search of priceless ancient armour


The Smithsonian's Washington DC area museum and the National Zoo have introduced a new schedule in response to staff shortages caused by the Omicron wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.


Martin Luther King Jr’s original ‘I have a dream’ speech is now on display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which is open in observance of Martin Luther King Jr day


The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has announced US$24.7m in grants for 208 humanities projects across the US


Design group and immersive experience creators Thinkwell have announced the promotion of Jason McManus to the new role of principal.


McDonald’s has lost a high court appeal to build a €1.3 m drive-through restaurant directly next to Rome’s historic Baths of Caracalla


While many animal attractions have struggled through 2020 and 2021, the news is more positive in Florida, with ZooTampa reporting an attendance record of 1.2 million visitors last year.


Design firm Mather & Co has revealed that it’s working on the redevelopment of Ipswich Museum in Ipswich, UK, following a £4.3m (US$5.8m, €5.15m) grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.


An additional £30m in emergency funding has been made available through the UK’s Culture Recovery Fund to support museums, cinemas, theatres and heritage organisations with the impact of the Omicron variant this winter


One of the UK’s leading scientific figures has weighed in on the row over fossil fuel sponsorship at the London Science Museum.


The Met is taking its first-ever look at Disney’s theme parks as part of a special exhibition dedicated to the inspirations behind Walt Disney’s most iconic creations


Visitor attractions in Ireland are set to get a slice of a €50m pie to created to support the country’s tourism industry in 2022


Several species have received a double dose of the animal-specific vaccine


According to John Cena, the time to visit Ferrari World, the Louvre and the rest of Abu Dhabi is now


Set up by tech entrepreneur Frédéric Jousset, Art Explora will go on a tour of the Mediterranean in 2023 with a €32m catamaran the choice of transport for the floating attraction


The Smithsonian is vaccinating species susceptible to COVID-19 at both its National Zoo in Washington and its Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia





The UK government has rejected Unesco’s recommendation that it reconsider the ownership status of the fabled Parthenon Marbles held in the collection of the British Museum.


Pokémon is set to make its mark at Universal Studios Japan following a landmark deal to bring the popular IP to the park starting in 2022


With Evergande at risk of complete collapse thanks to US$305bn worth of debts, the future of its portfolio of 15 theme parks across China is currently uncertain


J. Tomilson Hill is the new chairman of the Guggenheim, while Claudia Rankine becomes only the second ever black female to be named a trustee for the institution





IAAPA’s international trade show is back with IAAPA Expo Europe emanating from Barcelona, Spain. Here’s everything you need to know about the event


Rounding up all the biggest news from both publications and associations, here is your latest edition of From the Industry from Planet Attractions


The British Council is scaling back its work in more than 20 countries due to a pandemic funding shortfall


The new Ilulissat Icefjord Centre is part of Greenland’s plan to attract more tourists to the country



Alone in the Dark: Alterface’s Stéphane Battaille on Heide Park’s terrifying new Dämonen Gruft dark ride attraction





Efteling’s steam trains going green with switch to electric energy




Unesco lists 18 new geoparks worldwide




Industry insights



Spatial Sound, Immersive Audio: What is it and is it here to stay?




Video



Disneyland Paris renames park ahead of €2bn expansion

In Depth



Storm surge: How Chimelong Spaceship’s award-winning and record-breaking Bermuda Storm was brought to life



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Chuck E. Cheese and American Society for Deaf Children partner on inclusivity initiative


Chuck E. Cheese and the American Society for Deaf Children have partnered up on an initiative that aims to foster greater inclusivity for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families

Bright and beautiful: How Europe’s biggest light festival delivered with Christie


Already the largest of its kind in Europe, here’s how the Signal light festival worked with Christie to bring the spectacle to life

Wellbeing created by local heritage in England creates £29bn a year in economic benefits, says study


First-of-its-kind research from Historic England has quantified the impact of local heritage on residents, with the annual economic benefit of historic sites in the country worth an estimated £29bn

SEA Expo positioned as key industry event as Saudi attractions market continues to surge


With the entertainment industry expected to contribute around US$23bn to Saudi Arabia by 2030, it’s no wonder that SEA Expo continues to grow at pace with the rapidly expanding market. Here’s what to expect for its sixth edition this May

Disney’s Bahamas getaway takes shape as company shares construction update


The Disney Cruise Line has shared new details about its upcoming island destination Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, the tropical retreat in the Bahamas promising to bring the magic when it opens to guests this June.

Adirondack Studios appoints cruise and theatre veteran Jeff Moulton to executive team


Adirondack Studios has named Jeff Moulton, former director of Client Delivery for RWS Global’s Holland America Line division, as the company’s new VP of Project Delivery

Science Museum Group to develop Riyadh hub after announcing partnership with Saudi Ministry of Culture


The UK’s Science Museum Group has revealed a significant partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Culture which includes the development of a new Museums Hub in Riyadh as the two nations focus on boosting co-operation, cultural exchange and more in the museum sector

McDonald’s to host immersive anime and manga dining experience as restaurant chain launches ‘WcDonald’s’ campaign


McDonald’s is bringing its manga counterpart to life with its new ‘WcDonald's’ campaign introducing an immersive dining experience among other anime-themed products

V&A museum seeks Taylor Swift super fan as advisor


London’s V&A museum is on the hunt for an official adviser to share their knowledge of Taylor Swift.

Eiffel Tower should be classed as historical monument, says France’s culture minister following strikes


As staff at the Eiffel Tower continue to strike over the monument's management, France’s culture minister has suggested classifying the iconic building as a national monument, which would allow the state to help fund necessary works

Influencer causes social storm as British Museum’s Instagram account inundated with calls to return Easter Island statues


The British Museum has been bombarded with social media messages from Chilean Instagram users demanding the return the institution’s iconic Easter Island statues from its collection

County seeks to end lease with Miami Seaquarium over animal welfare violations


The troubled Miami Seaquarium is facing further problems, with the county the animal attraction is located inside seeking to terminate its lease.

Tourist admission fee implemented at Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia


Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Ministry has implemented an entrance fee at a Unesco World Heritage Site in Istanbul.

Rachida Dati named culture minister of France following controversial reshuffle


Rachida Dati has been appointed culture minister of France following a reshuffle announced by new French prime minister Gabriel Attal in January.

Artists descending on Lithuania for Vilnius Light Festival


Artists from across the world are set to travel to the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius later this month as they display their illumination projects for the sixth annual Vilnius Light Festival.

China’s Great Wall Museum set to reopen in 2025 following major renovation


A cultural attraction dedicated to China’s Great Wall will become a national museum when it reopens in 2025 following an extensive renovation

France’s culture minister suspends demolition of Marie Curie’s Paris laboratory


Heritage bodies have welcomed a last-minute intervention by Rima Abdul Malak - France’s culture minister - who has halted the demolition of a building once part of the laboratory for famous French scientist Marie Curie.

British Museum criticised after signing record-breaking £50m funding deal with BP


The British Museum has been branded ‘astonishingly out of touch’ after announcing its decision to accept a record-breaking £50m donation from oil giant BP

Manchester City launches interactive attraction in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Mall


A new visitor attraction dedicated to Manchester City has opened its doors in Abu Dhabi, with the new City Challenge offering visitors a chance to show off their footballing skills through a range of immersive experiences

‘Ambitious plans’ in store for China as Alterface announces country’s first Action League Interactive Thrill Ride for Suzhou


Alterface is eyeing malls and FECs in China for its Action League Interactive Thrill Ride, after the company announced its first such attraction in the country is set to open at Suzhou Paradise Forest World in May next year

Argentina’s new President Javier Milei abolishes Ministry of Culture after one day


Argentina no longer has a Ministry of Culture after its new President Javier Milei abolished the government office one day into his four year tenure

Russia’s Ukraine invasion sees 863 cultural heritage sites damaged or destroyed


Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture has revealed its latest set of data on the war-torn country’s cultural and heritage sites, with 863 confirmed to have been damaged or destroyed since the start of Russia’s invasion.

Manatees Romeo and Juliet to be released from Miami Seaquarium following campaign


Two manatees reportedly kept in “ever-deteriorating conditions” at the Miami Seaquarium will soon be released to a sanctuary following a campaign by animal rights activists.

Mariët Westermann to lead Guggenheim Museum and Foundation following extensive search


The Guggenheim Museum has announced that Mariët Westermann - the current vice chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi - will be the next director and CEO of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation.

Everything you need to know about IAAPA Expo 2023


IAAPA Expo is making its grand return to Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center this week, with the 2023 edition of the event selling out its trade show floor for the first time since 2019

US$1.2m underwater museum to open in the Caribbean


A US$1.2m underwater museum is set to open to the public by the end of the year, with the Spirit of SXM Sculpture Park coming to the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean.

Unesco travels to Ukraine to assess damage on cultural sites from Russian attacks


Unesco representatives have travelled to Ukraine to asses damage on cultural sites in the city of Chernihiv.

UK’s largest cultural investment in a generation opens doors in Manchester


A major cultural attraction has opened its doors in Manchester, with the £210m Aviva Studios representing the largest investment in a national cultural project since the opening of Tate Modern in 2000

Dubai Parks and Resorts and Global Village partner with Pink Caravan for breast cancer awareness initiative


Dubai Parks and Resorts and Global Village have joined forces with charity Pink Caravan to provide direct, accessible support and raise awareness about breast cancer.

Craven Museum named winner of Family Friendly Museum Award 2023


Yorkshire’s Craven Museum has beaten off competition from some of the UK’s top museums, galleries, historic homes and heritage sites to be named the winner of this year’s Family Friendly Museum Award

British Museum ‘victim of an inside job’ says chair


The British Museum was “the victim of an inside job” when a string of items were stolen, the chair of trustees George Osborne has said.

ASTC launches Seeding Action initiative to cultivate a ‘culture of planetary health action’


The Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) in the US, has announced the launch of Seeding Action; a new initiative to support science centre, museums and other public engagement networks to cultivate “a culture of hope and action” on environmental issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

Using technology to take the visitor experience beyond the four walls


Alex Book, co-founder and chief strategy officer at Arcade – The Creative Reality Company, explains how attractions and cultural institutions can make use of immersive technologies to reach new audiences

Universal leans on horror portfolio for licensing opportunities


Universal is planning to further capitalise on its portfolio of horror IPs, utilising more than 90 years of cinematic experiences to further boost its presence in the licensing sector.

Records broken as Brand Licensing Europe focuses on LBE


Record numbers of retailers and visitors from France, Germany, Italy and Spain were in attendance at this year’s Brand Licensing Europe (BLE), with this year’s event placing special emphasis on location based entertainment (LBE).

Saudi Arabia announces plans for royal nature reserve


Saudi Arabia has announced plans to create a giant new nature reserve in the kingdom.

Everything you need to know about IAAPA Expo Europe 2023


IAAPA is gearing up for its largest EMEA event ever, with the 2023 edition of IAAPA Expo Europe taking place in Vienna between September 25 - 28. Here’s everything you need to know about the event

Hot air balloon rides and water sports planned for tent city attraction in Varanasi


Plans have been announced to develop a ‘tent city’ in northern India offering visitors to the destination water sports and hot air balloon rides among the activities available.

Starmer appoints shadow secretary for culture, media and sport


Sir Keir Starmer, British leader of the opposition, has named Thangam Debbonaire, MP of Bristol West, as shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport.

Lifesized: How Path Entertainment and Hasbro brought Monopoly to life as a visitor experience


Path Entertainment Group and Hasbro recently worked together to produce a world-first immersive Monopoly experience. Path CEO David Hutchinson shares all with Planet Attractions

Blackpool’s £13m Showtown Museum finally gets opening date


The long-awaited Showtown Museum in Blackpool, UK, finally has an opening date.

Home of Carlsberg to reopen with extended exhibition in December


Visit Carlsberg in Copenhagen, Denmark, is to reopen as Home of Carlsberg this December after undergoing extensive improvement works

Ukraine World Heritage sites given Unesco disaster risk reduction training


Unesco recently organised an intensive training course for representatives of cultural heritage sites across Ukraine threatened by increasingly frequent attacks.

UK public concerned spending cuts could force closure of heritage sites and attractions, new research reveals


New research has found that the majority of the UK public is concerned that funding cuts will lead to the closure of heritage sites and cultural attractions.

Evolving the industry of fun: Peter van der Schans on the attractions markets in Africa, the Middle East and Europe


Peter van der Schans has now been at the helm of IAAPA’s EMEA operations for more than a year. He shares with Planet Attractions how that year has gone and the progress being made in the global attractions markets of Europe, the Middle East and Africa

Museums in Wales may need to start changing, says ex-minister


An ex-Welsh government minister is calling for the free entry policy to Wales' museums to be reconsidered due to financial pressures.

IAAPA reveals show highlights ahead of IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 in Vienna


IAAPA has offered a first glimpse at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, taking place in Vienna, Austria, in September

J.K. Rowling scrubbed from Museum of Pop Culture’s Harry Potter displays over transphobic views


The Museum of Pop Culture (Mopop) in Seattle, US, has removed all mention of J.K. Rowling from its

Lord Mendoza appointed chair of Historic England


Historic England has announced the appointment of Conservative peer Lord Neil Mendoza as its new chair.

JRA-designed Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame opens to the public


The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame has opened following a two-year planning and design process led by JRA, part of RWS Global

Work set to start on Paramount’s Bali theme park development


Work is set to start on Bali’s highly-anticipated Paramount theme park, with the major development representing the largest of its kind for the Indonesian tourist destination

Horniman Museum’s Nature + Love project awarded £5.7m in Lottery funding


London’s Horniman Museum has been awarded £5.7m by the National Lottery Heritage Fund for its Nature + Love project

Italy calls on Louvre to return seven archeological objects


The Italian state has called on France’s Louvre to return seven archeological treasures currently on display at the famous museum.

Saudi Arabia’s PIF announces launch of Saudi Tourism Investment Company


The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of Asfar - a new company designed to support the growth of the kingdom’s tourism sector

Abu Dhabi designates 64 sites for cultural protection


Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has announced the protection of 64 cultural sites in line with the new Cultural Heritage law.

UK’s National Railway Museum launches STEM-focussed Wonderlab


The National Railway Museum in Yorkshire, UK, has opened its largest new gallery in more than a decade, with the launch of the £6m ‘Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery’.

Climate change threatens ancient Chinese heritage sites


New research from environmental group Greenpeace has found that extreme weather conditions, caused by climate change, are already a significant threat to ancient heritage sites in China

Smithsonian Latino museum under threat after Reublican lawmakers move to block funding


A new bill passed by the US’s House Appropriations Committee could jeopardise the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino by effectively banning the institution from spending tax payer money on the project

VisitBritain to open new headquarters in Birmingham


The UK’s national tourism board VisitBritain/VisitEngland is to open a new head office in Birmingham.

Unesco and Zelenskyy condemn Russian attacks on historic World Heritage Site


Unesco says it’s deeply dismayed over an attack carried out by the Russian forces, which hit several cultural sites in the city centre of Odesa, while President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pledged retaliation for the act

Plans announced for US$2bn theme park and resort development in Oklahoma


A major US$2bn theme park and resort development comparable to the likes of Disney and Universal is set to open in 2026 in the state of Oklahoma

Entrepreneur eyes ‘TexasLand’ theme park


A young entrepreneur has raised upwards of US$100,000 in her ambition to build a theme park dedicated to the US state of Texas.

Applications open for 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy


Disney is seeking 100 applicants from black and underrepresented communities across the US for the 2024 edition of its Dreamers Academy scheme

France passes law allowing institutions to easily return Nazi-looted objects


France’s National Assembly has voted unanimously to adopt a new law that makes it significantly easier for public institutions to return Nazi-looted objects in their collections.

Rijksmuseum to return colonial objects from its collection for the first time


The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is set to return six objects currently in its in collection to Sri Lanka, marking the first time colonial objects from the museum’s collection will be returned to their point of origin.

Skegness waterfront to be revitalised after £5m plans approved


Officials have approved plans to regenerate the pier, theatre and seafront of a British seaside town, with the £5m set to see Skegness transformed in the coming years.

Ireland introduces panel to advise on restitution and repatriation of contested cultural heritage


Ireland’s government is introducing an expert committee to create national guidelines for any cultural institutions’ handling of items of unknown provenance, as well as advising the government on how to handle restitution and repatriation of culturally sensitive items.

Registration opens as IAAPA Expo Europe prepares for return to Austria


Registration is now open for this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe event, which is set to make its return to Vienna, Austria, in September

Abu Dhabi announces ambitious growth plans focused on tourism and culture


Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism board has revealed ambitious plans to grow its tourism economy to 24 million visitors a year

Museum Theatre Project aims to revitalise Ghanaian heritage attractions


Heritage sites in Ghana are planning to revitalise the African country’s museum experience with the introduction of the new Museum Theatre Project.

Met and Smithsonian team up to train US Army to protect cultural heritage


The Met and the Smithsonian have worked with the US Army to help train soldiers in preserving and protecting cultural heritage in conflict zones

UK’s Peace Museum to reopen in Unesco World Heritage village in 2024


The UK’s Peace Museum has been awarded a £250,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund that will see the museum relocate to Saltaire, a World Heritage village in West Yorkshire

African King sits on throne at museum taken from descendants by colonisers


An African throne taken by European colonisers in more than a century ago has had a King take a seat in it once more.

First-of-its-kind cultural event brings Morph to London for wheelchair-friendly public art trail


Morph has arrived in London for a wheelchair accessible public art trail, with the event to run until August in an effort to raise money for the children’s charity Whizz Kidz

Strawberries threaten Spanish World Heritage site


Concerns have been raised after local government passed a bill allowing intensive irrigated strawberry farming on a World Heritage-protected wetland in Spain

New exhibition at Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum explores the city’s links to slavery


A new exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, UK, will explore the city’s, and its famous university’s, links to the slave trade and exploitation.

SNC-Lavalin awarded contract for Historic Jeddah development in Saudi Arabia


Leading engineering and construction group SNC-Lavalin has been awarded a two-year project management consultancy services contract by the Saudi Ministry of Culture to support the development of Historic Jeddah, a Unesco World Heritage site.

Saudi Arabia introduces midday work ban


Saudi Arabia has introduced a midday work ban to protect the safety and health of workers operating in direct sunlight at the hottest point of the day.

Italian Capital of Culture celebrates cities of Bergamo and Brescia


A summer of pop-up events is planned for Bergamo and Brescia - two cities that have been jointly named the 2023 Italian Capital of Culture.

Saudi Arabia plans further US$800bn investment in tourism projects


Saudi Arabia is set to invest a further US$800bn on top of the US$1tn investment it has already made in tourism, with even more new projects set to come up in the kingdom over the course of the next decade

Multi-million dollar attraction celebrating the hot pot breaks ground in China


A new attraction combining food, culture and tourism has broken ground in Chongqing, with the Dezhuang Hot Pot Manor now under construction in the Chinese city.

Theme parks and family attractions to drive tourism in Malaysia, says minister


Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Malaysia’s deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture minister, has said that the theme park and family attraction industry will be an important hub for the country’s tourism industry.

‘Game-changing’ waterpark and spa development about to open in Hungary


The RQ Water Experience Park and Spa, a new waterpark offering 21 pools and a spectacular water slide tower, will open in Hungary in June

Giant wheel at heart of rural attraction to open later this month in China


A new Ferris wheel attraction in China will open later this month on the traditional holiday of the Dragon Boat Festival.

Italy raises museum prices as part of €2bn flood aid package


With huge floods hitting northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region in May, the country’s museums are playing their part in helping recovery, raising prices by €1 as part of a wider €2bn aid package.

House of Hype: New immersive attraction to open at Dubai Mall


A new immersive visitor attraction will open its doors at the Dubai Mall later this year

Biden bans drilling around Unesco World Heritage Site to preserve archaelogical ruins


The Biden administration has banned all new gas and oil drilling at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site in New Mexico, US, for the next 20 years.

British Museum denies ending controversial BP partnership


The British Museum has refuted claims that it has ended its commercial partnership with BP following reports that the institution had ended its 27-year relationship with the fossil fuel giant

Qatar unveils ‘next generation’ of cultural institutions at Venice Biennale


Qatar has launched an exhibition showcasing plans for four new museums, with the Art Mill Museum, Lusail Museum, Qatar Auto Museum and Dadu Children’s Museum of Qatar all to open in the country by the end of the decade

Adjaye expansion will turn museum into India’s largest art and culture centre


An expansion of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) in Delhi will make the institution the largest art and culture centre in India when it opens in 2026.

Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund commits £22m to attractions in the Scottish Highlands


Scotland’s Natural & Cultural Heritage Fund (NCHF) has awarded a share of £22m (US$27m, €25m) to more than a dozen tourist attractions in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, as part of a new scheme to promote tourism in the area.

San Francisco seeks World Heritage status


The city of San Francisco is aiming to become the first in the US to achieve World Heritage status, with a task force launched to pursue a nomination from Unesco.

BBC Studios developing immersive experiences for the metaverse


BBC Studios is to launch a collection of immersive experiences on metaverse platform; The Sandbox later this year

Denver Museum to close ‘harmful’ Indigenous people gallery


The Denver Museum of Nature and Science in Colorado, US, is to close a gallery dedicated to Indigenous people and culture, which it says perpetuates racist stereotypes.

Architects Kengo Kuma to design visitor centre for Albanian World Heritage site


Japanese architecture firm Kengo Kuma & Associates has won an international design competition to design a new visitor centre at Butrint National Park in Albania

The World of Gazza!!: New exhibition explores life and times of iconic English footballer Paul Gascoigne


A new exhibition celebrating and exploring the life and times of iconic English footballer Paul Gascoigne has opened its doors in London

Aaron Levi Garvey named chief curator of the Andy Warhol Museum


The Andy Warhol Museum has named Aaron Levi Garvey as its new chief curator with Garvey set to take up the position in the summer.

Pilsner Urquell: BRC’s Christian Lachel on Prague’s new ‘Original Beer Experience’


A new brand home dedicated to Pilsner Urquell has opened its doors in Prague. BRC’s Christian Lachel tells Planet Attractions how the attraction celebrates the brand’s place in Czech history and culture

Jeff Shell steps down as NBCUniversal CEO following ‘inappropriate conduct’


Jeff Shell has been removed from his position as CEO of NBCUniversal following a misconduct investigation

High hopes: Construction begins on Atlantic City’s new cannabis museum


Work has started on a new agriculture museum dedicated to cannabis in Atlantic City. The museum is one of several marijuana-themed projects greenlit by the city in the hopes of attracting a new wave of ‘weed tourists’

Centre Pompidou announces South Korea and Saudi Arabia expansion


Centre Pompidou, a contemporary art museum in Paris, France, has signed agreements that will see the opening of two new overseas outposts in South Korea and Saudi Arabia.

Hong Kong sees strong comeback in international cruise calls


Hong Kong’s tourism board has announced its “return to its position as Asia’s cruise hub”, following 160 ship calls from 16 cruise lines so far in 2023.

Sega Purchases Angry Birds owner in US$706m deal


Sega Sammy Holdings has agreed a deal to acquire Rovio, with Sega aiming to accelerate its mobile gaming capabilities while also acquiring a powerful IP in the world of entertainment

Carnegie Science Center to host adults-only speakeasy event


You can experience Carnegie Science Center with a roaring twenties twist on April 14, with the popular attraction set to host a special adults-only speakeasy night

Experience UK’s Experience on Main Street conference set for April


Leading trade body Experience UK is gearing up for its first-ever ‘Experience on Main Street’ conference

Seatrade Cruise Global 2023: Finding the rhythm on the show floor


Among the exhibitors at this year’s Seatrade are a range of tourism bodies representing all the global cruise ports and related attractions from around the world. Over at the Virgin Islands stand, this colourful character was showcasing some of the destinations culture for attendees.

Eleven million pixels: Christie powers new immersive room in Brazil’s Museum of Image and Sound of Ceará


Christie has teamed up with Brazil’s Museum of Image and Sound of Ceará on the installation of an immersive multimedia room as part of a revamp of the historic institution

Mexican President wants to build XCaret rival on controversially-seized cargo port


A cargo port controversially seized from a US company last week by the Mexican government has been earmarked for an XCaret style water and theme park, as well as a docking point for cruise ships

Milwaukee Public Museum to celebrate Wisconsin with dedicated gallery


The upcoming Milwaukee Public Museum will celebrate its home state of Wisconsin with a permanent gallery dedicated to the region.

Southampton’s City Art Gallery to undergo urgent roof repairs after receiving £2.23m grant from DCMS


The City Art Gallery in Southampton, UK, is set to undergo urgent roof repairs after receiving a £2.23m (US$2.74m, €2.52m) grant from the UK’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Everything you need to know about SeaTrade Cruise Global 2023


SeaTrade Cruise Global is returning to Florida. Here’s everything you need to know...

UK’s culture venues, museums and libraries receive £60m funding boost


More than 70 cultural organisations across Britain are to be given a financial boost by the government so they can improve people’s access to arts, support local economic growth through culture and safeguard vital local collections for future generations.

UK museums workers join public sector strike


Thousands of UK museum and heritage workers have joined industrial action protesting against low pay and other working conditions.

International Women’s Day: Equality is the goal, but EQUITY is how we'll get there


Equity is different from equality, and on International Women’s Day Una de Boer reflects how to support this foundational step towards a more just world

Disney World introduces wheelchair-using doll to ‘It’s a Small World’ attraction


The Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida, has introduced a new wheelchair-bound character to the ‘It’s a Small World’ attraction.

London’s Young V&A to open in July following multi-million-pound redevelopment


The Young V&A, formerly the V&A Museum of Childhood, will reopen in East London, after a multi-year, multi-million-pound redevelopment

Treasure trove of David Bowie artefacts secured for permanent display at V&A East


Original costumes, set designs, drawings and handwritten lyrics will allow visitors to V&A East to trace David Bowie’s creative process across six decades

‘Dippy’ begins three-year residency at the Herbert in Coventry


Dippy the Dinosaur has been unveiled at its new home in Coventry’s Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.

Alex McNeil Joins Hurtigruten Expeditions


Cruise operator Hurtigruten Expeditions has welcomed explorer Alex McNeil to its team, with McNeil set to develop the company’s next generation of expedition cruises.

Oil company’s museum sponsorship deal included gagging clause


London’s Science Museum signed a sponsorship deal with Norwegian oil and gas company Equinor, with the agreement meaning the museum would not say anything that could damage the firm’s reputation.

Germany celebrates first German-Jewish sites to appear on Unesco World Heritage list


A ceremony celebrating the first German-Jewish sites to receive Unesco World Heritage designation was held in Germany earlier this month.

London to get its own Highline after Camden plans approved


London is set to emulate New York’s Highline with its own version running from Camden to St Pancras. Here’s everything you need to know about the £14m project

Centre Pompidou is about to sign a contract for a new museum in Saudi Arabia


After expanding its horizons in Málaga, Shanghai and Brussels, with the prospect of a spinoff in the pipeline for Jersey City, US, in 2025, the Pompidou Center will soon be putting its expertise to work in Saudi Arabia.

SeaWorld’s first rescue centre opens outside of US with launch of Abu Dhabi site


SeaWorld is expanding its network of rescue centres with the launch of Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue - the first such SeaWorld site to open outside of the US

Dubai 100: Industry names among Dubai’s most powerful people


Three names involved in the tourism and attractions industries have been named in the Dubai 100 - a list representing the 100 most powerful people in the UAE city.

Manchester Museum to reopen this month following transformation


Another cultural addition to the Manchester scene in 2023 will be the re-opening of the Manchester Museum, which closed in August 2021 to undergo a £15m (US$18.2m, €17m) renovation.

Manchester’s £210m Factory International will be Britain’s biggest arts development since Tate Modern


A new contemporary art museum and cultural centre inspired by the ‘Madchester’ music scene of the 1990s will open in Manchester, UK, in June.

British Museum workers among those set to strike in February


Workers at the British Museum along with a number of other institutions across the UK are set to go on strike in February

Spanish museum returns Nazi-looted paintings to Poland


A Spanish museum has returned two 15th-century paintings to Poland after discovering that they had been looted by Nazi forces in World War II.

Singapore’s Peranakan Museum to reopen following four-year renovation


The Peranakan Museum in Singapore will reopen in February following a four-year refurbishment process.

Kids in Museums launches ‘Future is Now’ youth summit to engage young people in the museum sector


Kids in Museums has launched a new initiative aimed at having young people discuss, learn and advocate for the future of the museum sector

PIF’s Seven announces SAR1bn entertainment destination for Saudi city of Tabuk


Another mega project has been announced for Saudi Arabia, with the PIF’s Seven announcing plans for a SAR1bn entertainment destination in the city of Tabuk

accesso announces 18 new strategic partnerships in the UK and US


accesso has signed a series of new strategic agreements with 18 attractions, culture, hospitality and ski partners across the UK and the US.

Disney’s Lunar New Year Celebrations return to Anaheim


Disney’s Lunar New Year Celebrations have made a triumphant return to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, US.

Eden project headlines Levelling Up fund with £50m investment


A new Eden Project in Morecambe is one of the major projects to receive funding as part of the British government’s Levelling Up scheme.

Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum to close ahead of year long £6m revamp


A ‘radical, once-in-a-generation’ development will see Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum undergo a year-long transformation starting in June

Taliban’s application for Unesco protection of historic Kabul garden still unanswered


An application by the Taliban to add a historic garden in Kabul to the World Heritage List lies in limbo.

Fourteen of 2023’s most anticipated museum openings


After a difficult few years the museum sector is showing promising signs of recovery with several exciting projects set to open this year. Here are 14 of 2023’s most anticipated museum openings

Lionel Messi’s World Cup accommodation to become museum


Following Argentina’s historic win at the 2022 World Cup, the student accommodation that global footballing icon Lionel Messi stayed in is set to be turned into its own mini museum

Museum of London set to ‘revolutionise’ digital offer with 'stories first' platform


The Museum of London is introducing a new digital platform in 2024, with the institution saying the move will “revolutionise” its online offerings.

Paris’s Rodin scraps plans for €16m Canary Islands outpost


Rodin Museum officials have decided to pull out of a €16m project in the Canary Islands, which would have seen an outpost of the famous institution built in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Vikings exhibition heads to Carnegie Science Center


A collection of more than 140 authentic Viking artefacts, including a full-size replica of a Viking ship, is set to go on display in the US at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Science Center.

‘Spy x Family’ attraction coming to Universal Studios Japan in 2023


Spy x Family - a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Tatsuya Endo - is coming to Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in 2023.

UAE introduces Golden Visa scheme for culture


Professionals working in the creative field can now apply for a UAE Cultural Golden Visa, a permit which grants the holder a 10-year residency in the country.

‘A first of its kind experience’: SeaWorld’s Jonathan Smith on operator’s upcoming Pipeline surf coaster


The highly-anticipated Pipeline surf coaster is coming to SeaWorld Orlando this spring. SeaWorld’s vice president of rides and engineering, Jonathan Smith, spoke to Planet Attractions about the project

Monopoly Lifesized opens in Saudi Arabia


Hasbro’s Monopoly Lifesized has opened in Riyadh following a three-way partnership between the toy manufacturer, the Al Hokair Group and The Path Entertainment Group

Anti-racist action in culture, heritage and sport gets £4.5m boost from Welsh government


Culture, heritage and sport sites are set to receive £4.5m over the next three years to support actions in the Welsh Government’s Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan

Merlin promotes Fiona Eastwood to oversee midway attractions and theme parks


Merlin executive Fiona Eastwood has been promoted to oversee the operator’s global portfolio of theme parks and midway attractions

92 museum directors sign open letter condemning climate action against ‘irreplaceable’ artworks


Directors from The Met, British Museum, Louvre and National Gallery have signed an open letter published by ICOM condemning the ‘risky endangerment’ of irreplaceable artworks in climate demonstrations

US$4.4m Mars exhibition opens at Carnegie Space Center


A new permanent exhibition exploring life on Mars has opened at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, US

Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther headlines Smithsonian’s African American Museum’s Afrofuturism exhibition


A new exhibition set to open in 2023 will feature the late Chadwick Boseman’s iconic costume worn in Marvel’s Black Panther.

Princess Cruises unveils 360: An Extraordinary Experience


Princess Cruises has debuted a brand new immersive experience that combines dining, storytelling, music, scent and more for a one-of-a-kind journey through the Mediterranean

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi 25% complete


A major project in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District is now 25% complete, tourism chiefs have revealed.

Cultural sites damaged in Ukrainian capital in latest wave of Russian attacks against country


Russia’s lethal barrage of strikes against Ukrainian cities this week has seen a number of cultural sites in the capital of Kyiv hit

Anime robot maids serve customers in Japanese café



Museums in England and Wales can now dispose of objects on moral grounds


Museums and galleries in England and Wales will be given unprecedented powers to dispose of objects in their collections if there is a compelling moral obligation to do so, under a new law.

Heygo takes streaming tours into museums sector


Live streaming tour platform Heygo is venturing into the culture sector, with the company announcing a number of partnerships with various museums to “create a space for all to interact, learn and connect with like-minded people”.

Louvre turns the lights out amid spiralling energy costs


The Louvre is among a number of French cultural institutions and landmarks turning their lights off in an attempt to cut soaring energy costs

Disney legends set to come together to celebrate 40 years of Epcot


A panel of industry legends will share their stories about the creation and evolution of Disney’s Epcot at this year’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida

‘Worse than Covid’: rising energy costs threaten UK museum sector and warm banks plan


UK museums have warned that they may be unable to provide planned ‘warm banks’ this winter, due to rising energy bills.

Britain’s new Prime Minister names Michelle Donelan culture secretary


Britain’s new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, has named Michelle Donelan as culture secretary.

Zoological Society of London names Matthew Gould its new director general


The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) has named Matthew Gould its new director general.

Tickets on sale for Battersea Power Station’s new chimney lift experience


LIFT 109 - an experience coming to London’s iconic Battersea Power Station - has opened pre-sale ticket registration for the new attraction.

Building work begins on Shanghai’s new museum devoted to literature


Hongkou attraction to honour city’s avant-garde literary movement of the 1920s and its respected authors

Major Louis Vuitton exhibition comes to Los Angeles


A touring Louis Vuitton exhibition has landed in Los Angeles, California, US, with

‘We're the industry of fun and it's time to have fun again’: Peter van der Schans on IAAPA EMEA, industry challenges and what to expect at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe


Planet Attractions travelled to Belgium recently to meet Peter van der Schans, IAAPA’s new executive director and vice president for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. Here’s what he had to say

Saudi Arabia unveils plan to transform museums sector


Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission has announced plans to transform its museum sector, unveiling a new strategy, which will see the number and types of museums across the Kingdom increase in an attempt to boost visitor numbers.

Museum of London plans ‘epic leaving party’ ahead of Smithfield move


The Museum of London has declared its final event before its demolition ahead of a move to a new site, with the institution working on an “epic leaving party” - one which could potentially last all night.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium opens Dolphintopia exhibit


Florida’s Clearwater Marine Aquarium has debuted a new exhibit exploring the science of dolphins, while also using art and interactive activities to highlight the animals’ connection to humans.

Stranger Things slated for stage adaptation after fourth season receives record viewings


An official stage production based on Stranger Things is in the works after the series became Netflix’s first English-language show to be viewed for more than one billion hours

Glastonbury founder celebrated with painting at National Portrait Gallery, named as patron at Radstock Museum


Glastonbury founder, Michael Eavis has been commemorated with a specially-commissioned portrait at the National Portrait Gallery. He has also been named as a patron of Somerset’s Radstock Museum

The museum that’s introduced special glasses to help colour-blind people see art in a whole new light


Colour deficient and colour-blind visitors to Australia’s Chau Chak Wing Museum are now being offered special glasses to see works of art in clear, vibrant colour for the first time

Fantawild Glorious Orient opens in Huai'an


Chinese operator Fantawild has opened a brand new attraction today, with the Huai'an-based Glorious Orient theme park building on the country’s ‘red tourism’ drive.

Canada launches 76 new museums in a day in Ottawa


Ottawa’s tourism body has granted special museum status to a collection of 76 festivals, restaurants, concert venues, and attractions as a way to shine a light on some of the city's cultural hidden gems.

Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum gifted £3m for Power Hall renovation


The Science and Industry Museum has received a generous donation from The Law Family Charitable Foundation for the refurbishment of its Power Hall

SeaWorld commits to world’s oceans with UN Sustainability Development pledge


SeaWorld has pledged to ensure the long-term health of the world’s oceans in accordance with the UN’s Sustainability Development Goal 14

HK$3.5bn Hong Kong Palace Museum sets July opening date


The Hong Kong Palace Museum is the newest addition to the West Kowloon Cultural District with the HK$3.5bn attraction set to open its doors to the public for the first time next month

Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Apple debuts in Las Vegas



Carnegie Museums names Gina Winstead its new vice president for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility


Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh has named Gina Winstead its new vice president for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA).

Portland Museum of Art plans US$45m expansion


The Portland Museum of Art (PMA) in Maine, US, has launched an international competition for a new US$45m (€42.2m, £36m) extension that will see the historic art centre double its exhibition space.

Splash Mountain’s Princess & the Frog overhaul coming in 2024, says movie’s star


Anika Noni Rose, who voiced Tiana in the 2009 hit, revealed that The Princess and the Frog ride could open in 2024 during an appearance on US morning show Live with Kelly and Ryan

Sofar Sounds partners with Tiqets for concert series at iconic attractions in London and San Francisco


The concert series, the second such partnership between Sofar Sounds and Tiqets, will see artists perform at iconic attractions in London and San Francisco.

Universal Studios Singapore breaks ground on Minion Land attraction


A new addition to Universal Studios Singapore slated to open in 2024 has broken ground, with work starting on the park's upcoming Minion Land.

Land, sea and everywhere in between: WhiteWater’s global openings for 2022


It’s a busy year for WhiteWater, which has more than 70 waterpark projects across the world opening in 2022. We’ve rounded these projects up so you can keep track of everything happening this year

Google uses augmented reality to bring fine art to life for International Museum Day


Google Arts & Culture celebrated Internation Museum Day with the launch of three new mind-bending AR art filters

WhiteWater named one of Canada’s best-managed companies


Waterpark supplier WhiteWater has been awarded the prestigious Gold Standard status as one of Canada’s best-managed companies.

Saudi Arabia starts work on Riyadh’s Royal Arts Complex


Construction has started on the King Salman Park’s Royal Arts Complex, which once complete will act as a cultural hub for the Saudi capital of Riyadh

Andy Warhol Museum announces plan to launch US$60m ‘Pop District’ in Pittsburgh


‘The Pop District’ from The Andy Warhol Museum will feature a larger cultural hub for live music, events, public art, expanded programming and a home for creative workplace development

Rima Abdul Malak named France’s new minister of culture


Following his re-election as France’s President last month, Emmanuel Macron has announced that Lebanese-born politician Rima Abdul Malak will take up the role of minister of culture.

London’s Natural History Museum announces plan to open major new research centre with the University of Reading


The Natural History Museum is partnering with the University of Reading on a major new digitisation centre to be built at the Thames Valley Science Park

Get ready for #MuseumWeek 2022


With the support of Unesco, the worldwide #MuseumWeek event is set to take place next month, with museums being encouraged to share seven posts over seven days on seven topics with seven different hashtags on the theme of culture, society and innovation.

Industry veteran Anthony Van Dam announces retirement from FORREC after 34 years


FORREC’s Anthony Van Dam is set to leave the company after 34 years following his retirement announcement

French Ministry of Culture invites NEMO to speak at EU event


NEMO - the Network of European Museum Organisations - was recently represented at a major conference at the invitation of the French Ministry of Culture.

New LGBTQ+ arts space coming to London in June


A new arts space highlighting work from LGBTQ+ artists will open its doors in London next month

Back with a bang: TEA Summit and Thea Awards Gala return


Leaders in the themed entertainment industry gathered last month for the return of TEA Summit and Thea Awards Gala for the first time in two years. Christine Kerr on behalf of the TEA and Nicole Sangster from Thea Award recipients Simworx both report on the event

Unesco’s World Heritage meeting in Russia indefinitely postponed


Unesco’s World Heritage Committee meeting in Kazan has been indefinitely postponed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Connections Café opens at Epcot


As part of its continued transformation, Disney World’s Epcot has officially opened Connections Café - a new addition promising a unique dining experience for its visitors.

Sproutl forms partnership with Kew Gardens


Online gardening marketplace Sproutl has formed a strategic partnership with one of Britain’s most-visited attractions - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Katherine E. Fleming to lead Getty Trust after being named new president and CEO


Starting this August, Katherine E. Fleming will take the reins at the J. Paul Getty Trust, leading the institution’s mission to advance and share the world's art and cultural heritage for the benefit of all

Pressure on Unesco to relocate World Heritage Committee meeting from Russia


Organisations including the Auschwitz Memorial and Europa Nostra, as well as the UK’s culture minister Nadine Dorries, have called on Unesco to change the location of its 45th annual World Heritage Committee meeting, which is currently scheduled to take place in Russia

3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum inaugurated



World's most valuable T-Rex coming to Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi


A T-Rex skeleton sold for more than US$31.8m (€28.9m, £25m) in 2020 has found a new home as the centrepiece of the upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.

Cultural experiences do not boost exam results, new study reveals


The study explored the impact of ‘cultural capital’ on exam results of children from different social classes

Cityneon’s VR Machu Picchu experience scoops Lumiere Award


The immersive experiential design firm won in the category for ‘Best Use of VR’ for its Machu Picchu and the Spirit of the Condor virtual reality (VR) experience

San Diego Zoo’s US$69m Wildlife Explorers Basecamp opens to the public


San Diego Zoo has launched one of its most ambitious ever additions, with the brand-new US$69m Wildlife Explorers Basecamp showcasing a number of different ecosystems through a series of immersive experiences

Are two museum directors better than one?


Following a move in 2019 where the German culture ministry decided that a consortium of Berlin’s major institutions, including the Hamburger Bahnhof and the Neue Nationalgalerie, would be broken up, the new structure of these institutions would see Hamburger Bahnhof gained not one new head, but two.

Smithsonian releases statement on Ukraine crisis


Lonnie Bunch, 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, has released a statement on behalf of the organisation, pledging its support to the people of Ukraine and their cultural heritage. In the statement, Bunch revealed that the Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative (SCRI) is in contact with people in the country in order to facilitate the preservation of Ukraine’s history.

Theme parks must streamline their internal comms to ensure a smooth and successful re-opening in the summer


In order for theme parks to run operations in a smooth and efficient manner, internal communications are key. Ross McCaw, CEO and founder of OurPeople, tells us more

Unesco 'gravely concerned' for Ukraine's cultural heritage as Russia invasion continues


The UN cultural organisation is aiming to mark as many key heritage sites with the Hague Convention emblem, which protects cultural heritage in the event of armed conflict

Miami Seaquarium to end shows with 56-year-old orca Lolita following takeover


Miami Seaquarium’s new owners will no longer stage orca shows following a new agreement with federal regulators

National Railway Museum axes long-awaited Trans-Siberian exhibition as Russia continues Ukraine invasion


The major exhibition at the National Railway Museum is the latest in a series of events to be axed as UK cultural institutions move to show their support to Ukraine

Ukraine culture minister calls for UNESCO to revoke Russia’s membership after Russian forces destroy museum housing works by folk artist Maria Prymachenko


The Ivankiv Historical and Local History Museum was burned to the ground as Russia continues its aggressive invasion of the country

National Portrait Gallery and BP to end 30-year partnership in December


The National Portrait Gallery and BP have decided to mutually end their decades-long commercial partnership

Attractions Calendar: March


Here are all the events you should be attending this month

Saudi Arabia unveils plans for US$750m mega waterpark development


The Qiddiya Investment Company is developing Saudi Arabia’s first-ever waterpark, with the mammoth investment set to cost a whopping US$750m

Ukraine’s museums prepare for the worst as Russian conflict approaches


Escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia have seen Ukrainian institutions prepare security and evacuation plans should the worst happen

Documents suggest British Museum’s controversial BP partnership will be renewed despite protests


Officials at the British Museum reportedly recently met with BP officials to discuss options for support ‘post Spring 2023’, hinting at a likely renewal of the controversial partnership

Bank of America awards US$1m to Motown Museum expansion


The Motown Museum has been given a million dollar boost towards its US$55m expansion campaign

Hurtigruten Expeditions to offer pole-to-pole cruises in 2023


Crossing four continents and stopping off at more than 100 landing sites, Hurtigruten Expeditions has announced a series of cruises set to travel all the way from the Arctic to Antarctica

Attractions Calendar: Your diary dates for 2022


With so many big things coming in the year ahead, we’ve rounded up all the key events taking place this year. Welcome to your attractions calendar for 2022.

Museum of Art Pudong: A look inside Shanghai’s newest art gallery


The Jean Nouvel-designed Museum of Art Pudong has been in operation for six months. Alice Davis paid a visit to the cultural newcomer in Shanghai

Meow Wolf heading to SXSW 2022


Art and entertainment collective Meow Wolf has partnered with audio simulation platform Spatial to create a ‘never before seen’ pop up experience at this year’s SXSW festival in Austin, Texas.

UK’s Museum of East Anglian Life to rebrand as National Museum of Food


The Museum of East Anglian Life is set to undergo a name change in the hopes that a new emphasis on food will broaden its audience appeal

Year of the Tiger: Disneyland marks Lunar New Year with return of celebration at California Adventure


Honouring East Asian traditions, Disney’s Lunar New Year celebration has returned to the Disneyland Resort in California

Protestors in Kazakhstan storm museum searching for ancient armour


Political unrest in Kazakhstan has seen a group of protestors invade the state museum in search of priceless ancient armour

Covid staff shortages see Smithsonian adopt modified schedule


The Smithsonian's Washington DC area museum and the National Zoo have introduced a new schedule in response to staff shortages caused by the Omicron wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Martin Luther King’s original ‘I have a dream’ speech goes on display at National Museum of African American History and Culture


Martin Luther King Jr’s original ‘I have a dream’ speech is now on display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which is open in observance of Martin Luther King Jr day

More than 200 projects to receive share of US$24.7m in US culture funding


The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has announced US$24.7m in grants for 208 humanities projects across the US

Jason McManus promoted to principal for Thinkwell Group


Design group and immersive experience creators Thinkwell have announced the promotion of Jason McManus to the new role of principal.

McDonald’s loses appeal to build drive-through next to ancient Roman baths


McDonald’s has lost a high court appeal to build a €1.3 m drive-through restaurant directly next to Rome’s historic Baths of Caracalla

ZooTampa shatters 2021 attendance record


While many animal attractions have struggled through 2020 and 2021, the news is more positive in Florida, with ZooTampa reporting an attendance record of 1.2 million visitors last year.

Ipswich Museum to undergo major redevelopment following £4.3m Lottery grant


Design firm Mather & Co has revealed that it’s working on the redevelopment of Ipswich Museum in Ipswich, UK, following a £4.3m (US$5.8m, €5.15m) grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Emergency funding available for arts, culture and heritage doubled to £60m as British government tackles impact of Omicron


An additional £30m in emergency funding has been made available through the UK’s Culture Recovery Fund to support museums, cinemas, theatres and heritage organisations with the impact of the Omicron variant this winter

Sir David King steps into Science Museum fossil fuel sponsorship controversy


One of the UK’s leading scientific figures has weighed in on the row over fossil fuel sponsorship at the London Science Museum.

New York’s Met explores inspiration behind Walt Disney’s iconic creations


The Met is taking its first-ever look at Disney’s theme parks as part of a special exhibition dedicated to the inspirations behind Walt Disney’s most iconic creations

€50m Tourism Business Continuity Programme to help sustain Ireland's tourism businesses in 2022


Visitor attractions in Ireland are set to get a slice of a €50m pie to created to support the country’s tourism industry in 2022

Cincinnati Zoo vaccinates 80 animals against COVID-19


Several species have received a double dose of the animal-specific vaccine

WATCH: The time to visit Abu Dhabi is now, says John Cena


According to John Cena, the time to visit Ferrari World, the Louvre and the rest of Abu Dhabi is now

Art Explora: The travelling museum set to operate onboard a €32m catamaran


Set up by tech entrepreneur Frédéric Jousset, Art Explora will go on a tour of the Mediterranean in 2023 with a €32m catamaran the choice of transport for the floating attraction

First COVID vaccines administered to at-risk species at The Smithsonian National Zoo as presumptive positive big cats recover


The Smithsonian is vaccinating species susceptible to COVID-19 at both its National Zoo in Washington and its Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia

J-Lo X Triotech



British government rejects Unesco plea over Parthenon Marbles


The UK government has rejected Unesco’s recommendation that it reconsider the ownership status of the fabled Parthenon Marbles held in the collection of the British Museum.

Pokémon is coming to Universal Studios Japan in 2022


Pokémon is set to make its mark at Universal Studios Japan following a landmark deal to bring the popular IP to the park starting in 2022

Evergrande collapse puts theme parks in jeopardy


With Evergande at risk of complete collapse thanks to US$305bn worth of debts, the future of its portfolio of 15 theme parks across China is currently uncertain

Guggenheim names new chairman and second ever black female trustee


J. Tomilson Hill is the new chairman of the Guggenheim, while Claudia Rankine becomes only the second ever black female to be named a trustee for the institution

Port of Call



Everything you need to know about IAAPA Expo Europe 2021


IAAPA’s international trade show is back with IAAPA Expo Europe emanating from Barcelona, Spain. Here’s everything you need to know about the event

From The Industry: Theme Index and Museum Index released, TEA establishes formal presence in China and tourism stakeholders facing ‘massacre’ in Italy


Rounding up all the biggest news from both publications and associations, here is your latest edition of From the Industry from Planet Attractions

COVID-hit British Council cuts overseas culture funding in more than 20 countries


The British Council is scaling back its work in more than 20 countries due to a pandemic funding shortfall

The new visitor attraction that just opened its doors 250km north of the Arctic Circle


The new Ilulissat Icefjord Centre is part of Greenland’s plan to attract more tourists to the country



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