Heritage Days 2026 in Paris: the little-known Cognacq-Jay Museum unveils its program

Art and history enthusiasts are gathering at Musée Cognacq-Jay for the 42nd edition of Journées du Patrimoine on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026. This museum houses a rich collection of sculptures, furniture, paintings and other works of art assembled between 1900 and 1925 by the founder of the Samaritaine, Ernest Cognacq and his wife Marie-Louise Jay.

This major cultural event is an opportunity to admire not only theHôtel de Donon, which houses the museum, but also the many paintings, sculptures, drawings and precious objects collected by Ernest Cognacq, founder of the Samaritaine department stores. A great lover of18th-century art, the wealthy businessman now allows us to contemplate all that made up the spirit of the French Enlightenment.

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The Cognacq-Jay Museum invites you to explore its exceptional collections. A museum that’s often overlooked by the public, it also surprises with an unconventional artistic program you won’t want to miss. Take advantage of these Heritage Days 2026 to discover one of the Marais’ and Paris’ treasures. Please note that reservations are required.

The 2026 Heritage Days program at the Cognacq-Jay Museum:

• Heritage Echoes: From Marais to Bach

  From Marin Marais's Follia to Bach's Suites, passing through Forqueray, a thread of wonder will connect the ages in the courtyard of the Cognacq-Jay Museum, thanks to Zoé Saubat's cello.

  Participation conditions : Free entry subject to availability. - Free | No reservation required

  Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 11:00–12:00, 15:00–16:00