Top Travel Spots You’ll Miss in 2026: Major Museums and Temples Closed for Renovations, Disasters, and More- What Travelers Should Know

Published on December 30, 2025

As travel around the world continues to evolve, some of the most iconic museums, spiritual sites, and attractions will be temporarily out of reach in 2026. Whether it’s due to extensive renovations, unfortunate disasters, or new cultural ventures opening, these closures are shaping up to make travel plans just a bit more difficult this year. Here’s a roundup of the places you won’t be able to visit in 2026, and what you can explore instead.

From the cultural heartbeat of Paris to spiritual landmarks in South Korea, many travelers will find themselves adjusting their itineraries. Whether you’re a lover of art, history, or spirituality, these closures will affect how you experience some of the world’s most revered destinations. However, there’s good news as well—many of these sites have exciting alternatives, including new openings that promise to make up for what you’ll miss in 2026.

Centre Pompidou’s Five-Year Hiatus in Paris: What You Need to Know

In one of the biggest closures of 2026, Paris’ Centre Pompidou, home to one of the world’s most celebrated collections of modern art, will be temporarily closed for a five-year renovation. The iconic museum, which opened in 1977 with its unique design of exposed pipes and vibrant exterior, will shut its doors to undergo major improvements, including the removal of asbestos and upgrades to accessibility.

Though this closure will leave art lovers disappointed, there is a silver lining. In November 2026, the KANAL Museum in Brussels, a long-awaited outpost of the Pompidou, will open. Situated in a former car factory, KANAL will feature modern and contemporary art exhibitions, taking the Pompidou’s legacy to Belgium. If your 2026 travel plans included the Centre Pompidou, consider a detour to KANAL to experience cutting-edge art in a new setting.

The Gounsa Temple Tragedy: A Major Spiritual Site Closed for Restoration

In South Korea, a significant loss occurred in March 2025 when the Gounsa Temple, a 1,300-year-old Buddhist site in Uiseong County, was destroyed by a devastating wildfire. This temple, one of South Korea’s most revered, has been closed for restoration, but the timeline for reopening is uncertain. The Gounsa Temple was considered a cultural gem, with its long history and connection to Korean Buddhism.

For those hoping to visit a similar site, the Bongjeongsa Temple, located just 22 miles away in Andong, offers a rich historical experience. Bongjeongsa features Geungnakjeon, the oldest wooden building in the country, and visitors can explore its stunning murals and ancient wooden architecture. Although Gounsa Temple won’t be accessible for the time being, Bongjeongsa remains a strong alternative for spiritual travelers in the region.

Las Vegas Museum of Collecting and Design: A Temporary Loss of Quirky Charm

In Las Vegas, another beloved cultural destination has come to an end. The Museum of Collecting and Design, founded by Jessica Oreck and showcasing quirky miniature items like tiny toys and figurines, has closed after the strip mall housing it was slated for demolition. The museum had gained a cult following with its whimsical exhibits, but now the physical museum is no more. While Oreck has hinted at taking the collection on the road, it remains unclear whether a permanent location will be found.

In the meantime, if you’re seeking similar quirky art experiences, Omega Mart in Las Vegas—an immersive art experience created by the Meow Wolf collective—is a great alternative. The interactive supermarket theme park lets visitors explore the bizarre and the surreal, and it’s set to keep the playful spirit of the Museum of Collecting and Design alive in a new format.

European Sleeper’s Night Train Revival: The Paris-Berlin Route Returns

On the bright side, Europe is seeing a resurgence in long-distance train travel, and European Sleeper is leading the charge. This train company, which began operating in 2023, will relaunch the Paris–Berlin overnight route in March 2026. This new service, which will run three times a week via Brussels, will replace the now-defunct Nightjet service. Although it’s unfortunate that travelers won’t be able to board the original Nightjet train, European Sleeper is stepping in with renovated sleeping compartments, couchette beds, and more.

For those who enjoy the charm of European night trains, this revival offers an excellent chance to experience a journey across Europe, passing through some of the continent’s most beautiful cities and offering an eco-friendly alternative to flying.

The Seven Stars in Kyushu: Japan’s Most Luxurious Train Faces Exclusive Access Challenges

In Japan, the legendary Seven Stars in Kyushu train—considered one of the world’s most luxurious—remains one of the hardest tickets to secure. While the train is set to continue offering exquisite journeys through Kyushu, it remains almost impossible for many to book a ticket, with the train being fully booked years in advance. For those who want to experience luxury rail travel in Japan but can’t get a seat on the Seven Stars, the country’s extensive rail network offers numerous alternatives, including luxury sleeper trains and scenic routes with breathtaking views.

Saudi Arabia’s Dream of the Desert: The Next Big Luxury Rail Adventure

In Saudi Arabia, the Dream of the Desert luxury train is set to launch in 2026, offering a lavish 800-mile journey through the kingdom’s deserts and mountains. Though this service will be open to travelers soon, it is set to remain a highly exclusive experience with only 41 cabins and a bespoke level of service. For those seeking a luxurious way to explore the desert landscapes of Saudi Arabia, this is an experience not to miss—assuming you can get a seat.

Conclusion: What’s Closed in 2026 and What’s Still Worth Visiting

While 2026 brings significant closures and delays to some of the world’s most iconic destinations, there are still plenty of exciting alternatives for travelers. Whether you’re heading to Belgium for modern art at KANAL, exploring the stunning temples of Andong, or experiencing the resurgence of luxury train travel, the travel world remains full of wonder and discovery.

As always, even with these closures, there are new adventures waiting to be had. Travel is about embracing the unexpected and finding the beauty in what you can experience—no matter what’s off-limits.