European Heritage Days 2026: tours and craftsmanship at the Monnaie de Paris

La Monnaie de Paris opens its doors to the public with a special program for Heritage Days, on 19 and 20 September 2026. Spanning its collections, craft métiers and currency production, the weekend invites visitors to discover this historic institution in a different light in Paris’s 6th arrondissement.

The Journées du Patrimoine are returning to Paris this weekend of September 19–20, 2026. Each year, this must-attend European day of the season draws culture lovers and curious minds eager for fresh discoveries, offering a compelling program that lets us rediscover the heritage of our region. Indeed, Paris and the Île-de-France rise to the occasion, and at every edition numerous castles, monuments, museums and unusual venues open their doors to offer you often-free tours and original activities.

Heritage Days 2026: Paris and Île-de-France's marquee institutions to visit
On the occasion of the 2026 Heritage Days in Paris, the city’s major institutions are opening their doors to us, exceptionally, this weekend of September 19–20, 2026. From the Bank of France to the Cour des Comptes and the ministries, they’ll reveal everything to you. [Read more]

Heritage Days 2026 in Paris (75): a district-by-district lineup of visits
For the 2026 Heritage Days in Paris, the capital’s monuments and historic sites throw open their doors (often for free) to reveal their secrets to us. Don’t miss this essential event, scheduled for the weekend of September 19–20, 2026, under the themes: "Heritage in Peril" and "Heritage of Photography". [Read more]

So, what’s on the agenda for Heritage Days 2026 in Paris? Why not head to the Monnaie de Paris to see what awaits? As its name suggests, this stunning and unique museum embodies France’s national monetary institution: it is also the last art foundry still operating in the capital, and it’s often regarded as one of the oldest companies in the world, as well as the oldest French institution. With a track record like that, you can be sure the Monnaie de Paris has plenty of secrets to reveal.

That’s timely, as The Paris Mint unveils a superb program for the Heritage Days 2026:

Self-guided visit — Monnaie de Paris Museum!
European Heritage Days, a golden opportunity to discover the temple of metalworking know-how!

With peeks into production workshops, videos, interactive displays and heritage collections of gold and silver (and more), you’ll discover the history of money, the story of France, and the techniques and sciences behind it.

These are none other than the secrets of transformed matter, the know‑how, and the crafts that have been handed down for over 1,150 years—come explore them with us and help us preserve them!
Participation requirements: Free | No booking required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Treasure hunt at the Paris Mint!
Set off on the hunt through the courtyards, the historic salons and the museum to trail a master forger...

A unique opportunity to uncover the secrets of this mysterious building, home to rare, centuries-spanning crafts.

You’ll walk away, come what may, richer than you came in—well, if you manage to complete the quest!
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Flash tour — Paris Mint Museum
Alone, with family, or with friends, come unlock the mysteries of the Monnaie de Paris!

Myths and legends about money are shared with you by guides stationed in the rooms, who will also reveal the secrets behind how the Monnaie de Paris is made.

The processes of minting coins and medals, from ore extraction to striking, come alive alongside the museum’s rich heritage collections.
Participation conditions: Subject to availability - Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, 19 September 2026 — 11:00–17:30 | Sunday, 20 September 2026 — 11:00–17:30
Guided tour - The grand coinage revealed
Discover the Grand Monnayage, the sanctuary and beating heart of the Paris Mint!

It’s where presses strike and stamp, turning a plain metal disc into coins, medals, or official decorations!
Participation conditions: Subject to availability. Departures every 15 minutes for groups of 20 people. - Free | No reservation required
Times: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Quick tour — Architecture
The Mint building launches a multi-year façade renovation to safeguard its architectural heritage, a legacy spanning more than 250 years!

On Heritage Days, come and discover the architectural lines, the style, the décor, and the surprising — and telling — details of the Mint.

A hotel? A palace? A factory or a museum? Don’t panic—follow the guide to understand the thousand and one architectural facets of this enigmatic structure…
Participation conditions: Subject to availability - Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM
Showcasing Expertise
Come and watch a master craftsman at work, and put your questions to him!

In the heart of the Museum, in the grand workshop of the Mint, a demonstration of Monnaie de Paris craftsmanship offers a glimpse into a rare trade and the various stages involved in minting coins and medals.
Participation conditions: Subject to availability - Free | No reservation required
Schedule : Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Concert "The Brass of the Little Ogre" | Brass Ensemble of the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, the Monnaie de Paris invites the brass section of the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra to plunge into the enchanted world of fairy tales with “Les cuivres du mini ogre,” a piece that revisits the melodic ogre from the famous tale “Jack and the Beanstalk.”

But what do we really know about this ogre? Who was he? To claim that the ogre was merely fear, dread, and horror would be to mislead you. Ogres, quite remarkably, were fabulous music lovers. They delighted in making the heavens resound with their powerful instruments, for they could, depending on the color of the music, determine the weather down on earth, where humans lived.

Concert of the Brass Ensemble of the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra

Amandine Dewasmes, narrator

Written by Édouard Signolet

Music by Holst, Davis, Hartmann, Binge, Elgar, Greenwood, Arnold, Lutgen, Britten and Vaughan-Williams.

Musical concept and arrangements by David Guerrier

Musical show created at Studio 104 of the Maison de la Radio et de la Musique on 20 movembre 2024
Participation conditions: Subject to availability. Schedule to be confirmed. - Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 4:30 PM ⤏ 5:30 PM

Great family activities!