European Heritage Days 2026 Paris: exceptional opening of the Hôtel Pereire, Del Duca Foundation

A quick dip into Parisian heritage this weekend? That’s what the Journées du Patrimoine have in store for a weekend of exploration. Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, head to the Hôtel Pereire, now home to the Fondation Del Duca, for a delightful journey through history.

To step through the doors of theHôtel Pereire is to discover a world marked by the past. This private mansion, a witness to France's economic and cultural history, offers an exceptional tour of its rich past. From the creation of the Parc Monceau by the Pereire brothers, to the philanthropic history of the Simone and Cino Del Duca Foundation, every nook and cranny tells a page of Parisian heritage.

From the Pereire brothers to the Del Ducas: A journey through time

• Emile and Isaac Pereire: These visionary brothers shaped 19th-century French finance and infrastructure. Leaders of iconic companies like the Paris to Saint-Germain Railway and Crédit Mobilier, they also made their mark in real estate with the creation of Parc Monceau.
• Emile Pereire House: Built between 1879 and 1881, this elegant residence is a tribute to classic architecture. Designed by William Bouwens van der Boijen, it stands as a true architectural gem.
• Former inhabitants: From the post-Liberation Steel Industry Directorate to Charbonnages de France, this historic building has hosted a variety of organizations before becoming the home of the Cino and Simone Del Duca Foundation.

• To be read
• This week's best bets for September 7–13, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France

Heritage Days program at Hôtel Pereire 2026 in Paris:

• Special opening of the Pereire Hotel

  Exceptional opening of Hôtel Pereire by the Simone and Cino Del Duca Foundation – Institut de France

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  In conjunction with the 43rd edition of the European Heritage Days, on September 19–20, 2026, the Simone and Cino Del Duca Foundation – Institut de France will open the doors of its headquarters to the public free of charge. The venue is a 19th‑century townhouse located at 10 Rue Alfred de Vigny in Paris’s 8th arrondissement.

  Visitors will have the chance to discover the Hôtel Pereire, a remarkable testament to Haussmannian architecture, its reception rooms, and the terrace overlooking the Parc Monceau, as well as the Del Duca Foundation’s mission, which has been advancing the arts, letters, and sciences for more than half a century.

  The 2026 edition aligns with the national theme “Heritage at Risk: Reignite, Resist, Reimagine” and offers an exceptional mediation route exploring the many ways we convey and animate heritage.

  On this occasion, the Del Duca Foundation will temporarily welcome the Stéphane Bern Foundation for History and Heritage – Institut de France, which marks its tenth anniversary in 2026. A dedicated room will showcase its commitments to protecting and transmitting heritage, along with several projects and prize-winning laureates.

  The parcours will also be enriched by the presence of the association Hauts Reliefs, which highlights the reinterpretation of antique mobiliary by designers and artists. Through several emblematic pieces, the exhibition will illustrate how furniture heritage can be preserved, restored, and reinvented to meet contemporary needs, in perfect resonance with the National Theme of the European Heritage Days.

  Free admission, no reservation required, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  ### From the Pereire family to the Del Duca Foundation: a journey through time

  • Émile and Isaac Pereire: Visionaries who shaped 19th‑century France’s economy. At the helm of iconic enterprises such as the Paris–Saint‑Germain Railway Company and Crédit Mobilier, they also left their mark on real estate by creating the new Monceau park district.

  • Hôtel d’Émile II Pereire (son of Émile Pereire): Erected between 1879 and 1881, this elegant residence is a tribute to classic architecture. Its design by William Bouwens van der Boijen is a true architectural gem.

  • A diverse array of occupants: From the post‑Liberation Steelworks Directorate to Charbonnages de France, the building has housed many tenants before becoming the seat of the Simone and Cino Del Duca Foundation in 1975.

  Site website: https://www.fondation-del-duca.fr/

  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fondationdelduca/

  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fondation-simone-et-cino-del-duca-institut-de-france/

  Participation requirements: Free admission - No reservation required | Free | No booking

  Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 ⤏ 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 ⤏ 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Another Parisian treasure that will hold no secrets for you!

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