Heritage Days 2026: cinema concert and auction at Pavillon Baltard (94)

Pavillon Baltard is joining Heritage Days 2026 with a varied program, free to explore on Saturday, September 19. This is a unique chance to discover the former Hall of Paris, located in Nogent-sur-Marne!

On the occasion of the 43rd Journées du Patrimoine, set off to discover the jewels of French heritage, on September 19 and 20, 2026. This cultural festival lets us explore the monuments and historic buildings near us. And often, it won’t cost a thing! In Île-de-France and in Paris, more than 1,500 sites are taking part in the event. So why not set out to discover these fabulous places? It’s the perfect moment to seize!

Heritage Days 2026 in Val-de-Marne (94): cultural treasures to discover
Heritage Days return on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026, in Val-de-Marne. To mark the occasion, the many castles and museums of Val-de-Marne open their doors for guided tours, workshops, and brand-new activities! [Read more]

The Val-de-Marne is taking part in this grand celebration of history and culture during the weekend of September 19-20, 2026. If you live in the department, you’ll have plenty to do! Museums, churches, castles, historic buildings, gardens... the list goes on. That said, don’t miss adding a quick detour to Nogent-sur-Marne.

The Pavillon Baltard is a jewel to be rediscovered at every opportunity. Originally installed in the heart of Paris, in Châtelet, the building was completely dismantled and reassembled in Nogent-sur-Marne to be saved. Why was this? It was one of ten iron, cast-iron and glass pavilions designed byarchitect Victor Baltard to house the Halles centrales de Paris in Châtelet. Today, this historic building hosts numerous public and private events, including gala evenings, television programs and trade shows. It opens to the public on rare occasions, including the Journées du Patrimoine.

The Heritage Days 2026 program at Pavillon Baltard:

Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Free entry
On the occasion of the 43rd edition of the European Heritage Days, the Pavillon Baltard opens its doors to the public on Saturday, September 19, and invites you to discover the Gaumont-Palace cinema organ, listen to a cine-concert… and enjoy other surprises.

15H : Welcome with music.
15H10 : Projection of the documentary Un quart d’heure d’entracte.
This short film by Tommy Desserre (1907-1989), shot shortly before the demolition of the Gaumont-Palace in 1972, recounts the vanished trade of the cinema organist.
15H25 : Scene from the organ auction at Drouot.
When the Gaumont-Palace closed in 1970, the filmmaker Alain Villain (now in his nineties) saved the organ from the dumpster, having it dismantled and stored. In 1976, the Christie was put up for auction. To prevent its export, it was classified as a historic monument. Led by Roland Nungesser, then mayor of Nogent, the organ was bought at auction for 200,000 francs.
15H30 : Musical comedies and Anglo-Saxon songs
By John Mann, cinema organist and British humorist, the last organist to perform in concert at the Baltard at the end of the 1980s.
15H50 : Around French cinema by Eric Cordé.
Michel Magne, Vladimir Cosma, Van Parys, Maurice Jarre… interpreted by Eric Cordé, titular organist of Dol-de-Bretagne Cathedral and cinema organist.
16H10 : Ciné-concert The Playhouse (Buster Keaton, 22 min, 1921) accompanied on the organ by Eric Cordé.
The screening of The Playhouse with organ accompaniment turns a simple cinema session into a genuine heritage experience. It allows reviving, for the duration of a show, the atmosphere of the great early-20th-century cinemas while highlighting one of Nogent’s most singular heritage elements: the Pavillon Baltard organ.
16H30 : Refreshments, exhibition and musical accompaniment, by Bernard Dargassies.
Exhibition dedicated to the history of the Pavillon Baltard and the Christie organ, illustrated with photographs, archives and period objects. A parcours retracing the demolition of the Halls, the dismantling, reassembly and inauguration of the Pavilion in Nogent-sur-Marne, enriched by the Nungesser collection.
With musical participation by Bernard Dargassies, craftsman of the organ’s reassembly and former resident organist, followed by a convivial moment with refreshments.

Le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.

Happy Heritage Days in Val-de-Marne!