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: 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]
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 at the Palace of Versailles (Yvelines), the program for the Sun King's estate.
What’s on the agenda for the 2026 Night of Museums at the Château de Versailles? Here’s what’s in store for the 22nd edition, hosted on Saturday, May 23, 2026! [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]
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]
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]
Museum Night 2026 at the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie: a free late-night event
The Cité des sciences et de l'industrie will take part in the 22nd edition of the Night of Museums this Saturday, May 23, 2026. On this special evening, the museum will offer free access to its collections, exhibitions and performances. [Read more]
An exceptional late-night concert with the Republican Guard Orchestra at the Musée de l'Élysée for Museum Night 2026
An exceptional musical evening awaits at the Musée de l’Elysée for Nuit des Musées in Paris! Take a behind‑the‑scenes tour of the presidential palace during this special night on Saturday, May 23, 2026. [Read more]
Collaborative mural and evening tour at Jean Dubuffet’s Tour aux Figures for the 2026 Night of Museums
What’s on for the Night of Museums 2026 in Hauts-de-Seine? Head to La Tour aux Figures by Jean Dubuffet, nestled in the heart of the Île Saint-Germain park in Issy-les-Moulineaux, to explore the program for May 23, 2026. Get ready for a surreal and unforgettable evening. [Read more]
A family-friendly program at MAC/VAL for Museum Night 2026 in Val-de-Marne
A Night at the Museums in the heart of Contemporary Art: it’s taking place at MAC/VAL this Saturday, May 23, 2026. On the program, family-friendly activities during an exceptional nocturnal opening. [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
