Traveling the globe has never been more accessible than it is in the present day. An extensive network of flights now connects a vast array of destinations, fostering unprecedented cultural exchanges.
However, not all attractions that were once available continue to be part of the modern traveler's itinerary. In 2024, several landmarks and establishments vanished, casualties of natural disasters, economic struggles, or shifting tastes. Here is a curated list of destinations that are off-limits in 2025, and likely forever.
This year, two iconic casino-hotels in Las Vegas ceased to be part of the city's skyline—the Tropicana and the Mirage. The Mirage, which first opened its doors in 1989, will be replaced by a Hard Rock property, distinctive for its guitar-shaped design. In contrast, the Tropicana was demolished in October to clear the way for a new stadium for the Oakland Athletics, marking the team's move to Las Vegas.
Alternative: In 2024, Sphere emerged as a transformative addition to the Las Vegas Strip. This colossal LED-illuminated sphere serves as a state-of-the-art events venue, launching with a series of concerts by U2. Brandon Griggs, an attendee during the inaugural weekend, likened the experience to "being inside a colossal planetarium, an enhanced IMAX cinema, or perhaps virtual reality without the need for a headset."
An iconic Parisian drag club bid farewell to Montmartre. Chez Michou cited financial hardships following the passing of its owner, Michel "Michou" Catty, in 2020 as the reason for its closure. Catty was a prominent figure in France, and his death was publicly mourned by President Emmanuel Macron. Chez Michou served as the inspiration for the musical "La Cage aux Folles." Alternative: Near the Champs-Elysees, Crazy Horse stands as one of Paris's most sought-after venues for burlesque and cabaret, having hosted stars like Lisa from Blackpink and Dita Von Teese.
New York City's art museum scene faced challenges in 2024. The Rubin Museum, a Chelsea fixture with an extensive collection of Himalayan art, announced its transition to a "museum without walls," closing its physical location in October. Some of its pieces, including the beloved Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, may find new homes in other museums. Alternative: The Nicholas Roerich Museum, nestled in an Upper West Side townhouse, offers a tranquil escape. Roerich, a Russian artist who moved to India, created numerous paintings depicting the Himalayas. Entry is complimentary, and crowds are a rarity.
Another art museum to bid farewell to New York was Fotografiska, a branch of the Stockholm-based photography museum. Its The last day of operation at its Park Avenue location was September 29th The owners have expressed hope to relocate within the city. Alternative: The International Center of Photography's museum on the Lower East Side offers talks, screenings, book signings, and photo exhibitions. Its proximity to the Tenement Museum and the Museum of Chinese in America allows for a culturally rich afternoon.
The Wayfarers Chapel, a glass church listed on the National Historic Register in southern California, fell victim to climate change. Designed by Lloyd Wright, son of the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the chapel faced the threat of landslides and was dismantled, with plans to find it a new home. Alternative: In Garden Grove, Orange County, approximately 40 miles west of Ranchos Palos Verdes, Christ Cathedral stands out with its reflective glass materials, earning it the nickname "the crystal cathedral." Its design was inspired by a four-pointed star.
In Kyoto's historic Gion neighborhood, the presence of geishas and their apprentices has drawn as much attention as the buildings they inhabit, leading to measures to curb "geisha paparazzi." The Gion local council voted to close off many side streets and alleys to reduce the influx of tourists, while main roads remain accessible. Alternative: For those interested in geisha culture, local organizations offer insights. The Gion Kagai Art Museum, opened in 2024, features exhibits on geishas, daily performances, and opportunities for photographs with geishas and maikos.
Like the Wayfarers Chapel, another spiritual site was impacted by climate change. The Rothko Chapel in Houston, home to 14 artworks by Mark Rothko, suffered extensive damage during Hurricane Beryl. The museum has been closed indefinitely. Alternative: Fans of the abstract expressionist can visit "Rothko Rooms" in other global museums: one in the Phillips Collection in Washington, DC, and another at London's Tate Modern.
Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, also established a museum in Seattle filled with his personal collection of vintage computers and tech devices. The museum was unique for encouraging interactive exploration of its exhibits. After Allen's death in 2018 and the pandemic, the Living Computers museum closed in 2024, with its collection to be auctioned off. Alternative: Allen supported numerous institutions in Seattle, including the Museum of Pop Culture. This museum is a vibrant blend of cultural references and houses the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area lost one of its signature attractions in 2024 when the "double arch" collapsed. Staff attributed the collapse of the Navajo sandstone formation, dating back approximately 190 million years, to erosion and changes in water levels. Alternative: Utah boasts an abundance of stunning natural landmarks. Arches National Park has become so popular that it has implemented a timed entry system and other measures to manage overcrowding. However, state parks such as Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Goblin Valley, and the Great Salt Lake offer picturesque views without the crowds.
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