Created in 1984 by the French Ministry of Culture, the European Heritage Days are an annual event celebrated in some 50 European countries. The aim? To raise public awareness of the richness and diversity of our cultural heritage, by opening the doors of monuments, museums and other historic sites that are often inaccessible to the public during the rest of the year. Traditionally held on the third weekend of September, these days are an opportunity for citizens to discover or rediscover the treasures of their heritage through guided tours, conferences, exhibitions and other events.
In Paris, the European Heritage Days are a special opportunity to explore the city from a whole new angle. Prestigious institutions such as the Palais de l'Élysée, the Senate and the Banque de France open their doors for special events. Numerous museums, monuments and unusual sites also offer free or reduced-rate tours, enabling the public to discover the capital's history and architecture.
The Institut national des Jeunes aveugles (INJA) is a historic institution founded in 1784 by Valentin Haüy, a pioneer in education for the blind. The institute was the first in the world to offer specialized education for visually impaired young people, with innovative methods that gave these children access to reading, writing and learning in general. Located in the 7tharrondissement of Paris, the INJA has occupied an emblematic building since 1843, where it continues to provide its students with an adapted education. The history of this institute bears witness to a major advance in the inclusion of disabled people in society, and its heritage is a living testimony to developments in the field of special education in France.
Exhibitions at the National Institute for the Blind
Accessible exhibitions at INJA Louis Braille
On the occasion of European Heritage Days 2026, two public-friendly exhibitions will be offered on Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 56 Boulevard des Invalides (Paris 7th), showcasing a rich and inclusive heritage.
Canon will present an immersive photographic exhibition that highlights visual innovation through formats designed to be accessible to everyone. This inclusive approach allows visitors to experience imagery in new ways, incorporating sensory dimensions tailored for people with visual impairments.
Meanwhile, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne will host an exhibition with academic and societal scope, focused on accessibility, knowledge transmission, and cultural inclusion. This presentation highlights the research and initiatives that help make culture more open and accessible.
These two exhibitions, complementary in their approaches, take place in a venue steeped in history and invite the public to view accessibility and contemporary creation through a renewed lens.
Participation requirements: Free of charge, no booking required - Free | No reservation
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 10:00 to 17:00
Visit to the National Institute for Blind Youth
### A rich and inclusive heritage day!
For the 2026 European Heritage Days, Canon, the Coupvray Museum, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Campus Louis Braille, the Paris Guides Dog School, and the public establishment Institut National des Jeunes Aveugles (INJA–Louis Braille) come together to welcome you on Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 56 Boulevard des Invalides, Paris 7th.
Come explore the historic fabric of a protected building and discover a wealth of expertise in visual impairment—
the training and journey of a guide dog, exceptional and fully accessible photo exhibitions, and startups focused on culture’s accessibility...
Free, self-guided, and guided tours will be offered across these storied sites where Louis Braille, the inventor of the universal system for reading and writing by the blind, once walked.
Guided tour departures: 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Throughout the day, you can also catch concerts (jazz and popular music) and refresh yourself in the Helen Keller sensory garden.
We look forward to welcoming many visitors to a day packed with discoveries—no registration required for either the guided tours or the open circuit.
Participation conditions: Free of charge, no reservation required - Free | No reservation
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Workshops at the National Institute for Blind Youth
Immersive, accessible workshops at INJA Louis Braille for European Heritage Days 2026
On the occasion of Europe’s Heritage Days 2026, a day packed with experiences awaits on Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 56 Boulevard des Invalides (Paris 7th). The event spotlights a heritage that is both historic and inclusive.
At the heart of this iconic venue, visitors are invited to take part in a wide range of immersive, accessible activities. The Louis Braille Campus will run demonstrations of tools and practices that support autonomy for people with visual impairment, while the Paris Guide Dog School will showcase the training and parcours of guide dogs through concrete demonstrations.
You’ll also have the chance to explore photographic exhibitions designed for all audiences and meet innovative startups committed to making culture accessible.
Throughout the day, jazz and pop concerts will punctuate the program, adding a friendly vibe to the event hosted in the Helen Keller sensory garden.
Open to everyone and free of charge, this event invites you to discover, experiment and share a living, engaged heritage.
Participation conditions: Free to attend — no reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
National Institute for Young Blind People
56 Boulevard des Invalides
75007 Paris 7
Route planner
Access
Metro 10 or 13 Duroc
Prices
Free
