At the start of the school year, the 43rd edition of the Journées du Patrimoine returns on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026 to pace this period that marks a revival for Parisians! This European-wide event invites you to discover nearby cultural venues for free. Whether they are open to the public or not, it’s a chance to go behind the scenes of the finest places near you.
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]
During Heritage Days 2026, numerous museums and art foundations are opening their doors for free across Paris and the Île-de-France region. Join us this weekend, September 19–20, 2026, to explore a program rich with standout discoveries. [Read more]
This year, Beaux-Arts enthusiasts can visit the Petit Palais. Designed for the 1900 Universal Exhibition in Paris, the ensemble of the Grand Palais, Petit Palais and Pont Alexandre III is arguably the finest symbol of the Beaux-Arts style that prevailed at the end of the Belle Époque century. As early as 1902, it was agreed that the Petit Palais would house the Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris. The Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris was built up primarily from commissions or purchases made by the City of Paris directly from artists, and bequests from major Beaux-Arts collectors.
All year round, the Petit Palais offers exhibitions, conferences and workshops for children... But also special events to mark the Journées du Patrimoine. Find out what's on this weekend.
Scavenger hunt for kids and grown-ups
On the occasion of the 43rd edition of the European Heritage Days, the public is invited to view the treasures shaping the French regions—from a fresh perspective—along with the women and men who work daily to preserve them.
The European Heritage Days at the Petit Palais align with the Ministry of Culture’s theme “Heritage in Peril,” inviting you to discover how the museum safeguards its artworks and its building.
Using the treasure-hunt booklet (for ages 6 and up) available at the museum’s reception, you’ll step into the curator’s role to assess the condition of the works and intervene if needed. Lighting, room temperature, preservation and restoration of materials in the artworks and the building, display methods… preventive conservation will no longer be a mystery to you.
And if you hit a snag, three mediators stationed in the museum’s galleries will explain the materials that make up the works and the various restoration and preservation techniques used on a daily basis.
To finish, you’ll head to the workshop in the south gallery. Accompanied by the Petit Palais’ visual artists, you’ll redraw a missing fragment of the peristyle fresco and restore its full color.
Practical information: The Petit Palais team welcomes you all day long, from 10:00 to 17:30 (last entry at 17:15). The treasure-hunt booklet is available at the main reception. Activities are free and open to everyone from age 3. Temporary exhibition requires paid admission.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 10:00–17:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 10:00–17:30
Le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.
Shall we take a quick tour?
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Petit Palais
Avenue Winston Churchill
75008 Paris 8
Route planner
Accessibility info
Prices
Free
Official website
www.petitpalais.paris.fr
More information
Activities free of charge and without reservation from 10am to 5:30pm.
Heritage Days 2026 in Paris (75): the program of visits to explore by arrondissement
Heritage Days 2026: museums and art foundations in Paris and Île-de-France
