Europe prepares post-corona, socially-distanced culture-fest

LE PECQ, France (AP) — You may need a face mask to see the Mona Lisa. You will have your temperature taken at the Colosseum in Rome. And to see views of Paris from the Eiffel Tower might require taking the stairs.

After the cultural deprivation of the lockdown months during which their treasures were hidden away, many of Europe's iconic museums and other tourist draws are preparing to reopen. Government officials hope this will breathe life back into coronavirus-battered economies, and lift the spirits of those who found staying at home to be an ordeal.

“Rarely will the French have felt such a need to rediscover the arts and heritage of our country as this summer,” France's Culture Ministry declared Friday, in announcing the reopening of dozens of chateaux, museums and other sites starting from next week.

According to the ministry's timetable, visitors will again be able to see how France's kings lived at the Versailles Palace from June 6, fall in love all over again with the Impressionist painters at the Musée d’Orsay from June 23 and get selfies with the Mona Lisa at the Louvre from July 6.

All of the re-openings the ministry announced will be days or weeks after France lifts many of its remaining coronavirus lockdown restrictions next Tuesday.

Major attractions first need to be made safe for staff and visitors. Some of Europe’s other major cultural sites are also taking their time to reopen.

In Rome, the Colosseum is due to reopen on June 1, more than two weeks after the May 18 reopening date approved by the government for Italy's museums. Visitors must wear protective masks and have their temperatures taken, and entrance times will be staggered to limit crowds.

Also reopening next week are the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums and pontifical summer...