Night of Museums 2026: Unusual Evening Openings for an Original Night Out in Paris and Île-de-France

Published by La Rédac · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on May 11, 2026 at 04:08 p.m.
For the 2026 Night of Museums, we're offering an unusual selection to shake up your routine and introduce you to new horizons. Explore our lineup of unique events to experience this Saturday, May 23rd, during this not-to-be-missed nocturnal adventure! Ready to be surprised?

Every year, for one special night, Museums and monuments across France swing open their doors to welcome visitors for a shared experience. On the occasion of the Night of Museums 2026, this Saturday, May 23rd, these cultural landmarks invite us once again... for new adventures. Say goodbye to routine visits, traditional exhibitions, and all-too-predictable evening events.

A number of museums have decided to surprise us with unusual activities and events, a must-do to spice up your evening.

Pajama party, lantern-lit tours, quirky concerts... What unique experiences are in store for us this year at the museums of Paris and Île-de-France? For an evening that's anything but ordinary, follow our guide to the most original museums and events during this 22nd edition of the Night of Museums!

So, mark your calendars for Saturday, May 23, 2026, and join us for a Museum Night full of adventure and fun.

Unique Events to Experience During the Night of Museums 2026:

Visuel Paris 8e - Grand PalaisVisuel Paris 8e - Grand PalaisVisuel Paris 8e - Grand PalaisVisuel Paris 8e - Grand Palais Night at the Museums 2026 at the Grand Palais: A Free Evening Featuring the Must-See Matisse Exhibition
For the 2026 Night of Museums, the Grand Palais invites us to explore one of its major current exhibitions during a midnight art walk, scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026. [Read more]

La BnF Richelieu rouvre ses portes après 10 ans de travauxLa BnF Richelieu rouvre ses portes après 10 ans de travauxLa BnF Richelieu rouvre ses portes après 10 ans de travauxLa BnF Richelieu rouvre ses portes après 10 ans de travaux Nuit des Musées 2026 : a free after-hours event at the BnF Richelieu site and its oval hall
The Night of Museums is back on Saturday, May 23, 2026. It's a great opportunity to explore, after dark, the famous oval hall and the National Library of France museum, which holds plenty of treasures. Click here to discover the evening's program. [Read more]

La Nuit des Musées 2021 : des visites gratuites par des enfants au musée du Jouet de Poissy (78)La Nuit des Musées 2021 : des visites gratuites par des enfants au musée du Jouet de Poissy (78)La Nuit des Musées 2021 : des visites gratuites par des enfants au musée du Jouet de Poissy (78)La Nuit des Musées 2021 : des visites gratuites par des enfants au musée du Jouet de Poissy (78) A family-friendly musical show: Poissy's Toy Museum reveals its 2026 Museums Night program.
For Museums Night 2026, head to a charming, playful museum that will delight both children and adults alike. This Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Toy Museum opens its doors for free as part of this must-attend after-hours night. [Read more]

Musée Gustave MoreauMusée Gustave MoreauMusée Gustave MoreauMusée Gustave Moreau An extraordinary, free evening event at the Gustave Moreau Museum for the 2026 Night of Museums in Paris
For the 2026 Night of Museums, the Gustave Moreau Museum invites us to experience the intimate atmosphere of its spaces during a special, free evening event on Saturday, May 23, 2026! [Read more]

Musée de la chasse et de la nature - collections permanentes et visuelsMusée de la chasse et de la nature - collections permanentes et visuelsMusée de la chasse et de la nature - collections permanentes et visuelsMusée de la chasse et de la nature - collections permanentes et visuels 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]

Le Musée d'histoire de la médecine à Paris, nos photos - IMGP3248Le Musée d'histoire de la médecine à Paris, nos photos - IMGP3248Le Musée d'histoire de la médecine à Paris, nos photos - IMGP3248Le Musée d'histoire de la médecine à Paris, nos photos - IMGP3248 Museum Night 2026: Discover the History of Medicine Museum during a free evening visit
The Night of Museums returns on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Paris. To mark the occasion, the Museum of Medical History will open its doors for free after hours, offering special late-night tours. A must-see event for both the curious and passionate alike. [Read more]

Visuels musée et monument - Maison de la Culture du JaponVisuels musée et monument - Maison de la Culture du JaponVisuels musée et monument - Maison de la Culture du JaponVisuels musée et monument - Maison de la Culture du Japon Museums Night 2026: Enjoy a Free Evening at the Japan Culture House in Paris
The Japan Culture House invites you to explore its temporary exhibition for free during Museum Night. Join us for this special evening on Saturday, May 23, 2026, and discover the full program right here. [Read more]

Le musée Rambolitrain - nos photosLe musée Rambolitrain - nos photosLe musée Rambolitrain - nos photosLe musée Rambolitrain - nos photos Night of Museums 2026 at the Rambolitrain Museum: The program for this free evening in Rambouillet (78)
On the occasion of the 22nd edition of the Night of Museums, the Rambolitrain Museum in Rambouillet, Yvelines, will open its toy train collection for a special after-hours viewing on May 23, 2026. Here's a rundown of the must-see events planned for the evening. [Read more]

La Cinémathèque française : le temple des cinéphiles au cœur du quartier BercyLa Cinémathèque française : le temple des cinéphiles au cœur du quartier BercyLa Cinémathèque française : le temple des cinéphiles au cœur du quartier BercyLa Cinémathèque française : le temple des cinéphiles au cœur du quartier Bercy A special late-night program exploring the Marilyn Monroe universe for the 2026 Night of Museums at the Cinémathèque.
For the Night of Museums in Paris, the Cinémathèque is offering free activities around the museum’s collections and the exhibitions on display, sure to delight film lovers as well as families! Mark your calendars for May 23, 2026 to experience a cinema-filled late night. [Read more]

Maison Elsa Triolet-AragonMaison Elsa Triolet-AragonMaison Elsa Triolet-AragonMaison Elsa Triolet-Aragon Museum Night 2026: Guided Night Tours at the Elsa Triolet-Aragon House (78)
Night of Museums 2026 also takes place at the Elsa Triolet - Aragon House in Saint-Arnoult-en-Yvelines (78)! On Saturday, May 23, 2026, come explore this stunning venue and its sculpture garden during the evening hours. Here’s what’s scheduled for the night! [Read more]

Nuit des Musée 2018 au Château de Brie-Comte-RobertNuit des Musée 2018 au Château de Brie-Comte-RobertNuit des Musée 2018 au Château de Brie-Comte-RobertNuit des Musée 2018 au Château de Brie-Comte-Robert For the 2026 Night of Museums, Brie-Comte-Robert Castle is offering a theatrical family quest!
In Seine-et-Marne, Brie-Comte-Robert Castle invites you to join the Night of Museums on Saturday, May 23, 2026. A fun, theatrical scavenger hunt designed for both children and adults awaits visitors in this historic site. It promises an evening that’s both unique and filled with cultural discoveries. [Read more]

Nuit des musées 2025 au Musée de la Gendarmerie Nationale à Melun (77)Nuit des musées 2025 au Musée de la Gendarmerie Nationale à Melun (77)Nuit des musées 2025 au Musée de la Gendarmerie Nationale à Melun (77)Nuit des musées 2025 au Musée de la Gendarmerie Nationale à Melun (77) At the Gendarmerie Museum, an extraordinary evening dedicated to the Tour de France for Museums Night 2026
An exciting evening awaits visitors at the Gendarmerie Museum for this year's Nuit des Musées celebration. On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the museum offers a special lineup of activities celebrating the Tour de France! [Read more]

Nuit des Musées 2022 au Musée de la Préfecture de PoliceNuit des Musées 2022 au Musée de la Préfecture de PoliceNuit des Musées 2022 au Musée de la Préfecture de PoliceNuit des Musées 2022 au Musée de la Préfecture de Police 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]

Château et atelier Rosa Bonheur à Thomery - atelierChâteau et atelier Rosa Bonheur à Thomery - atelierChâteau et atelier Rosa Bonheur à Thomery - atelierChâteau et atelier Rosa Bonheur à Thomery - atelier This château in Seine-et-Marne turns the Night of Museums into a Night of Cookies for a delicious, culture-filled late-night event.
An original Night of Museums awaits you at the Rosa Bonheur Castle on May 23, 2026. On the menu: cookies, herbal teas, and rapid-fire tours to discover quirky anecdotes about this historic site! [Read more]

Codex on the Rocks, nos photos de l'expo au Musée de Minéralogie - à ParisCodex on the Rocks, nos photos de l'expo au Musée de Minéralogie - à ParisCodex on the Rocks, nos photos de l'expo au Musée de Minéralogie - à ParisCodex on the Rocks, nos photos de l'expo au Musée de Minéralogie - à Paris Night of Museums 2026 in Paris: the evening program at the École des Mines and its Mineralogy Museum
The Night of Museums is making a return this Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Paris. Why not take the opportunity to explore the École des Mines and its Mineralogy Museum? Here’s an intriguing lineup of activities to discover during the 22nd edition of this cultural event in the capital. [Read more]

Visites guidées et animations pour toute la famille au Musée de Préhistoire d'Ile de FranceVisites guidées et animations pour toute la famille au Musée de Préhistoire d'Ile de FranceVisites guidées et animations pour toute la famille au Musée de Préhistoire d'Ile de FranceVisites guidées et animations pour toute la famille au Musée de Préhistoire d'Ile de France Night of Museums 2026: Tightrope Walkers Bring New Life to Île-de-France Prehistoric Museum in Nemours (77)
On the occasion of Museum Night on May 23, 2026, the Île-de-France Prehistory Museum in Nemours (77) is unveiling its program! Ready to travel back in time during this free cultural evening? [Read more]

Le Château Fort de Nemours, l'un des seuls château de ville d'Ile-de-France, rouvre ses portesLe Château Fort de Nemours, l'un des seuls château de ville d'Ile-de-France, rouvre ses portesLe Château Fort de Nemours, l'un des seuls château de ville d'Ile-de-France, rouvre ses portesLe Château Fort de Nemours, l'un des seuls château de ville d'Ile-de-France, rouvre ses portes Night-time dungeon tours: the 2026 Night of Museums program at the Nemours Castle-Museum
One of Nemours’ gems: on Saturday, May 23, 2026, for the Night of Museums, come visit the Nemours Castle–Museum and its collection of priceless works during a nocturnal opening, for which the detailed program is being unveiled. [Read more]

Europa Expérience, un lieu d'exposition gratuit et immersif sur l'Union Européenne à ParisEuropa Expérience, un lieu d'exposition gratuit et immersif sur l'Union Européenne à ParisEuropa Expérience, un lieu d'exposition gratuit et immersif sur l'Union Européenne à ParisEuropa Expérience, un lieu d'exposition gratuit et immersif sur l'Union Européenne à Paris A musical evening at Europa Experience Paris for the 2026 Night of Museums
Europa Experience is a unique and unconventional museum that offers a special nighttime event for the Night of Museums on Saturday, May 23, 2026. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn more about the European Union! So, what can visitors expect for this 22nd edition? [Read more]

Villes et vues d'Île-de-France, visuels - Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, parc de Bicêtre, Hôpital Bicêtre AP-HP 94Villes et vues d'Île-de-France, visuels - Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, parc de Bicêtre, Hôpital Bicêtre AP-HP 94Villes et vues d'Île-de-France, visuels - Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, parc de Bicêtre, Hôpital Bicêtre AP-HP 94Villes et vues d'Île-de-France, visuels - Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, parc de Bicêtre, Hôpital Bicêtre AP-HP 94 Night at the Museums 2026: a late-night visit to the AP-HP Museum at Kremlin-Bicêtre Hospital (94)
On the occasion of the European Night of Museums, the Museum of Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), based in Kremlin-Bicêtre, invites you to explore its collections this Saturday, May 23, 2026. [Read more]

MUSEE SAFRANMUSEE SAFRANMUSEE SAFRANMUSEE SAFRAN Flight simulation and theatrical tours at a Paris-area aeronautical and space museum for the Night of Museums 2026
In Seine-et-Marne, this museum devoted to aviation and outer space invites you to take off for the Night of Museums 2026. Between flight simulators, theatrical tours and performances, it promises a lively evening on Saturday, May 23, 2026. [Read more]

Are you excited? So are we! Mark your calendars for May 23, 2026, and join us for an unforgettable evening exploring the museums and art venues of Paris and Île-de-France!

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On May 23, 2026

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Prices
    Free

    Recommended age
    For all

    Official website
    nuitdesmusees.culture.gouv.fr

    Comments
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