Journées du Patrimoine 2026 : Heritage Days 2026: explore paranormal phenomena at the International Metapsychic Institute

The Metapsychic International Institute opens its doors in Paris for Heritage Days, on September 19–20, 2026. An opportunity to delve into more than a century of research into paranormal phenomena, consciousness, and parapsychology.

In the 10th arrondissement, a remarkable venue opens its doors for the Heritage Days, which allow free discovery of historic, scientific and cultural sites across France, on September 19 and 20, 2026. The Institute Metapsychique International (IMI) invites the public to explore a little-known chapter of French research history devoted to the scientific study of so-called "psi" phenomena and unexplained experiments. A specialized library, archives, vintage instruments and exhibitions trace more than a century of work in a field that continues to fuel debate, curiosity and inquiry.

The Institut Métapsychique International was founded in 1919 thanks to patron Jean Meyer, with physician Gustave Geley at its head as the first scientific director. Based in Paris, its mission is to study paranormal phenomena through an experimental approach, gathering doctors, psychologists, biologists and physicists around observations and experiments. Over the decades, the IMI has become home to a substantial library, rare archives, photographs, laboratory equipment and artifacts linked to the history of metapsychics. Today, the institute continues its research, documentation, lectures and scientific outreach on questions of consciousness and parapsychology, while preserving a unique documentary heritage in France.

Stepping through the doors of the Institut Métapsychique International during the Journées du Patrimoine offers, above all, a glimpse into a little-known institution at the crossroads of the history of science, psychology, and the big questions that defined the 20th century. Visitors can browse rarely shown collections, gain a clearer sense of the methods used by researchers of the era, and situate these studies within their historical context. Whether you’re a history-of-science enthusiast, curious about consciousness research, or simply seeking an offbeat Paris excursion, the IMI delivers a discovery off the usual Heritage Days itinerary and invites everyone to explore a scientific heritage that is as unusual as it is fascinating.

The 2026 Heritage Days program at the Institut Métapsychique International:

Explore the collections of the International Metapsychic Institute
The Institut Métapsychique International (IMI), founded in 1919 and recognized as being of public utility, is one of the oldest centers devoted to the scientific study of so-called paranormal phenomena. For more than a century, it has safeguarded a substantial documentary, scientific and historical heritage, a testament to the evolution of research in this field.

On the occasion of this exceptional opening, the institute’s photographic collections will be specially showcased. Photos of experiments, portraits of researchers and mediums, and other archival documents highlight the crucial role photography played in the research conducted in the 20th century. Far from merely illustrating, it was used as a tool for observation, recording and documenting experiments.

The public will also have the chance to explore other facets of the Institute’s collections through several discovery spaces dedicated to casts, research instruments, archives and the library. Members of the IMI will be on hand to present these collections, answer visitors’ questions, and share the history, missions and current activities of this singular institution.
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

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