For Heritage Days 2026, the Institut de France is opening its doors, exceptionally.

Do you know theInstitut de France? This institution, hidden away in a magnificent building in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, is largely unknown to the general public. Yet this society, which brings together the country's scientific, literary and artistic elite, was founded in 1795!

Culture at its peak... This is what the Institut de France offers, an institution whose mission is to provide the five Academies—including French, Sciences, Fine Arts, Moral and Political Sciences, and Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres—with a harmonious setting in which to pursue the advancement of their respective fields.

Want to learn more? Take advantage of the Journées du Patrimoine to discover this unique institution. On the weekend of Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026, the Institut de France opens its doors to the public free of charge, with self-guided tours available.

Heritage Days: the history, dates and the 2026 theme of this unmissable cultural event
The European Heritage Days return on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, with two new themes. While the cultural event this year marks its 43rd edition, few people actually know the origin of this flagship autumn staple. So we tell you the story behind the Heritage Days, created in 1984 by the Ministry of Culture. [Read more]

Heritage Days 2026 in Paris (75): the program of visits to explore by arrondissement
Heritage Days are back in Paris in 2026. The capital’s monuments and historic landmarks open their doors (often free of charge) to reveal their secrets to us. Don’t miss this must-attend event, slated for the weekend of September 19–20, 2026, with the themes: “Heritage in Peril” and “The Heritage of Photography.” [Read more]

Heritage Days 2026: exceptional openings and tours in Paris and Île-de-France
The Journées du Patrimoine 2026 in Paris also offer the chance to discover places normally closed to the public. We’ve put together a selection of sites that will throw open their doors this weekend, September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]

• To be read
• The Institut de France, the cultural center with its 5 academies at the end of the Pont des Arts
• Heritage Days 2026 in Paris (75): the program of visits to explore by arrondissement
• Heritage Days 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France: date and program for this new edition

Created in 1795, theInstitut de France is housed in the Palais du quai de Conti, which occupies the former Collège des Quatre Nations. Founded between 1662 and 1688 by Cardinal Mazarin, it also manages four research libraries: the Mazarine Library, the Institute Library, the Fondation Dosne-Bibliothèque Thiers Library and the Musée Condé Library in Chantilly.

Find out more about the history of this institution, its architecture, its dome, its grand auditorium and its missions during the Heritage Days open house. You can visit the monument freely, and even meet the academicians who will be signing their books.

Heritage Days 2026 at the Institut de France in Paris — the program

• Institute of France Opens Its Doors to the Public

  On the occasion of the 43rd European Heritage Days, framed around the themes “Heritage of Photography” and “Heritage in Peril: Revive, Resist, Reimagine,” the Institut de France throws open its doors to reveal the full spectrum of historic spaces within its Palais, many of which are normally off-limits to the public.

  Visitors will encounter the Mazarine Library and the Institut de France Library, the two chamber halls where the academies convene, and the Coupole, the institution’s most iconic venue and home to the academies it houses: the French Academy, the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres, the Academy of Sciences, the Academy of Fine Arts, and the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences. The history and daily life of these five academies will be presented through a visiting route that is as immersive as it is intuitive. Dozens of academicians will be on hand to sign their books and to discuss a wide range of topics, reflecting the breadth of their specialties.

  The days will also spotlight the Institut’s actions and resources: its podcast platform, boasting thousands of audio programs, and the Institute’s Bookshop, located on the Palais’ forecourt just a stone’s throw from the Coupole. An illuminated calligraphy workshop, led by an official from the Institute, will also enrich the program. For families, a travel-friendly activity booklet will be handed out to children.

  At the end of this rich circuit, visitors will be able to head to the Pavillon Comtesse de Caen to discover the exhibition “The Painting on Stage. Olivier Debré.” Paying homage to Olivier Debré (1920–1999), a major figure of lyrical abstraction and a former member of the Painting Section of the Academy, this Parisian retrospective, the first in twenty years, invites a renewed appreciation of the breadth of his work and the distinctive universe of his pictorial language.

  Conditions of participation: Free | No reservation required

  Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.