It's the highly anticipated annual event for art and culture lovers: the Night of Museums. Celebrating its 22nd edition, it returns this year! Mark your calendars for Saturday May 23, 2026, for an extraordinary evening when museums and landmarks across Paris and Île-de-France open their doors — and often free of charge!
For this brand-new edition, the Nuit of Museums offers an even richer and more diverse lineup: hundreds of museums, castles, and historical sites are opening their doors. On Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, alongside free exhibitions, thousands of activities are happening across participating venues: concerts, guided tours, games, film screenings, performances, and more...
It's hard to find your way through all the choices. How do you find the coolest events, the most beautiful venues, all without spending a penny? Don't worry, you've come to the right place: to help you, we've put together a selection of the top 10 must-do events for this Nuit des Musées in Paris and the Ile-de-France region.
Night of Museums 2026: Crime and Detective Adventure at the Police Prefecture Museum in Paris
On the occasion of the 2026 Night of Museums, the Police Prefecture Museum is opening its doors to give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at Parisian law enforcement this Saturday, May 23, 2026. A unique lineup of quirky and family-friendly activities awaits for the event. Read on for all the details of this engaging, hands-on program. [Read more]
Night of Museums 2026: the BnF Richelieu Museum and its oval room go on view after dark
The Night of Museums is back on Saturday, May 23, 2026. It’s your chance to explore after hours the famous Oval Room and the Bibliothèque nationale de France’s museum, which hides a treasure trove. Click here to view the program. [Read more]
Nuit des Musées 2026: an artistic performance at the heart of the Bourdelle Museum in Paris
This year’s Nuit des Musées 2026 in Paris will have the air of Nuit Blanche at the Musée Bourdelle. In the intimate setting of the renowned sculptor’s studio, the public will be able to experience an artistic performance this Saturday, May 23, 2026. [Read more]
For Museum Night 2026, come explore the Giacometti Institute in Paris on a night-time tour.
What if we make the most of Museums Night to discover the Giacometti Institute, a place devoted to the artist’s work? On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the museum will open its doors for a nocturnal visit. Here is the program for this Parisian cultural venue. [Read more]
Quirky sketches at the Louvre during an extraordinary late-night edition for the Night of Museums!
The Louvre Museum is taking part in the 2026 Night of Museums this Saturday, May 23, 2026, and will warmly welcome visitors for a free, special nocturnal edition at this iconic Parisian venue. But be warned, you must register in advance to participate! So, ready for this 22nd edition? [Read more]
For the 2026 Night of Museums, an unusual tasting tour at the Val d'Oise Archaeology Museum
Looking for a unique way to celebrate Museum Night 2026 in Val d'Oise? The Archaeology Museum is hosting a special evening event — a night-time tour combined with tastings that invites guests to literally savor history. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 23, 2026. [Read more]
A free late-night at the Musée d’Orsay: the can't-miss evening of Museums Night 2026
The Musée d'Orsay is taking part in the 22nd edition of the Night of Museums this Saturday, May 23, 2026, with a free, playful after-hours tour centered on the museum's collections. A chance to enjoy an artistic evening at this must-attend cultural event. [Read more]
Nuit des Musées 2026 at the Museum of Hunting and Nature: discover this cabinet of curiosities
The Museum of Hunting and Nature comes alive for Night of Museums 2026. Discover the lineup awaiting you on Saturday, May 23, 2026, for an exceptional late-night edition in Paris. [Read more]
Family workshops and demonstrations: Night of Museums 2026 at the Musée des Arts et Métiers
On the occasion of the 2026 Night of Museums, the Musée des Arts et Métiers invites you to a special after-hours event on Saturday, May 23, 2026: visitors of all ages will be invited to explore machines and devices, each more extraordinary than the last. [Read more]
The Cluny Museum invites you to a timeless evening for this year's Night of Museums 2026.
An immersive plunge into the heart of the Middle Ages, during an exceptional late-night opening, awaits at the Musée de Cluny in Paris this Saturday, May 23, 2026, on the occasion of the Night of Museums. [Read more]
So, what’s on the agenda for the 2026 Night of Museums in Paris and the surrounding areas?
Dates and Opening Time
On May 23, 2026
Prices
Free
Official website
nuitdesmusees.culture.gouv.fr
