The Journées du Patrimoine are back! French cultural traditions are returning to the calendar, and the Journées du Patrimoine will land in Paris on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. Meet at the International Visual Theatre if you’d like to learn more about Deaf culture!
The International Visual Theatre (IVT), founded in Paris in 1976 by Alfredo Corrado, is a unique institution dedicated to the promotion of visual theater and French sign language (LSF). IVT plays an essential role in promoting deaf culture by integrating LSF into its artistic productions. Located in the 9th arrondissement, it offers a varied program of shows, workshops, training courses and cultural events accessible to all.
Heritage Days 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France: must-book tours you won't want to miss
European Heritage Days are back on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026, in Paris and the Île-de-France region. For the occasion, some fantastic programs are on offer—sometimes requiring registration. Here’s a quick rundown of the visits that will require a reservation. Mark your calendars! [Read more]
The Heritage Days take place over the weekend of September 19 and 20. However, not all venues stay open for both days: here are the sites to visit exclusively on Saturday, September 19, 2026. [Read more]
In addition to theatrical performances, IVT organizes educational activities to raise public awareness of the importance of visual communication. Workshops and training courses enable participants to discover and learn LSF, while performances offer total immersion in a universe where bodily and visual expression take center stage. Thanks to these initiatives, IVT enriches the Parisian artistic scene and builds bridges between the deaf and hearing communities.
Exhibition: relive 50 years of creativity
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, discover an exhibition tracing 50 years of creative work at IVT. Posters, costumes, videos, and archives tell the story of the performances that left their mark on theater and deaf culture.
Participation terms : Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 ⤏ 13:00, 14:00 ⤏ 18:30
Open House Day at the International Visual Theatre
For European Heritage Days, IVT marks its 50th anniversary and invites you to celebrate with us! On the program: an exhibition tracing the history of the company’s productions, archival screenings, storytelling workshops, theatre and sign-language performances, an awareness trail on French Sign Language (LSF), a flea market, and a preview of the 2026–2027 season.
Participation conditions: No reservation required | Free
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00–13:00, 14:00–18:30
The treasures of IVT lift the curtain on what goes on behind the scenes!
Show posters, costumes, vintage editions… Take advantage of our exceptional sale to claim a piece of IVT’s heritage and keep its story alive at home. A unique chance to leave with a memento from IVT’s 50-year history.
Participation requirements: No reservation required | Free
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
IVT Guided Tour in French
Dive into the history of the IVT, from its founding to the Cité Chaptal site, via a guided tour conducted in French.
How to participate: Limited to a maximum of 10 participants – Free | Registration required – contact@ivt.fr, 01 53 16 18 18, https://www.ivt.fr/
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:30–11:00
A discovery scavenger hunt exploring Sign Language and Deaf culture
A playful program led by Deaf trainers from the Training Department, designed to immerse children in sign language and Deaf culture.
Participation conditions: Limited to a maximum of 10 participants - Free | Booking required - 01 53 16 18 18, contact@ivt.fr, https://www.ivt.fr/
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:45–11:15, 16:45–17:15
Storytelling workshop for children in French Sign Language (LSF)
Guided by a Deaf artist, children revisit their favorite stories in French Sign Language and pick up a few signs so they can retell them themselves.
Participation terms: Limited to a maximum of 15 participants — Free of charge | Registration required — contact@ivt.fr, 01 53 16 18 18, https://www.ivt.fr/
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Deaf Culture Awareness Pathway
An immersive experience to grasp what it means to not hear and to discover Deaf culture with our instructors.
Participation conditions: Limited to a maximum of 10 participants - Free | Booking required - contact@ivt.fr, 01 53 16 18 18, https://www.ivt.fr/
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 12:15–12:45, 15:30–16:00
Guided tour of IVT in French Sign Language
Dive into the history of the IVT, from its founding to the Chaptal campus, on a guided tour delivered in French Sign Language.
Participation requirements: Limited to a maximum of 10 participants — Free of charge | Reservations required — contact@ivt.fr, 01 53 16 18 18, https://www.ivt.fr/
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM
French Sign Language theatre workshop
A workshop on how to tell a story or convey emotions through body movement and facial expressions.
Participation conditions: Limited to a maximum of 15 participants - Free of charge | Reservation required - contact@ivt.fr, +33 1 53 16 18 18, https://www.ivt.fr/
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Sign-Language Singing Workshop
Discover a quintessentially Deaf art: sign-singing. Get acquainted with IVT’s Deaf anthem, guided by a Deaf facilitator.
Participation conditions: Limited to a maximum of 15 participants - Free of charge | Registration required - contact@ivt.fr, 01 53 16 18 18, https://www.ivt.fr/
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 4:00 p.m.–4:45 p.m.
Aperitif sign-off
A relaxed, convivial gathering to practice sign language over drinks and games, open to all levels.
Participation terms: Limited to a maximum of 10 people - Free | Registration required - contact@ivt.fr, 01 53 16 18 18, https://www.ivt.fr/
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 5:30 PM ⤏ 6:30 PM
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
International Visual Theatre
7 Cité Chaptal
75009 Paris 9
Route planner
Accessibility info
Access
Blanche (Line 2)
Prices
Free
Official website
ivt.fr
More information
Open house from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Show at 6 p.m.
Heritage Days 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France: must-book tours you won't want to miss
Heritage Days 2026: venues open only on Saturdays in Paris and Île-de-France
