As part of the Journées du Patrimoine 2026, we’re invited to discover the Museum and Gardens of the Départemental Domain of Sceaux. Over a full weekend, the 19 and 20 September 2026, the estate will open its doors to the public free of charge, offering a chance to uncover the treasures hidden in this historic monument.
Between the museum, which houses genuine masterpieces, and the parc de Sceaux drawn in the 17th century by Le Nôtre, one can expect a rich array of experiences. These gardens are jewels of the art of “à la française” gardening. Two main axes traverse them, with east to west the ceremonial avenue, the château parterre and the Pintades terrace, and north to south the waterfall and the Octagon basin.
While the park preserves 17th‑century structures such as the Grand Canal, the Pavilion of the Dawn, and the Octagon Basin, the Château de Colbert—demolished around 1803—was replaced by a Neo-Louis XIII style castle built between 1856 and 1862 by architect Le Soufaché. From embroidered parterres to landscapes that run from wild to pastoral or even forested atmospheres.
Departmental Museum, former stables
Free, self-guided visit to the "Rebel Princess" exhibition
Dedicated to Marie-Caroline of Bourbon-Siciles, Duchess of Berry, a leading historical figure, this exhibition offers an unprecedented glimpse into the life of the woman who was effectively a French Marie Stuart. Eighteen years after the pioneering show Entre Cour et Jardin. Marie-Caroline, Duchess of Berry, it centers on “moving tableaux” — symbolic waypoints in the myth of the Duchess of Berry. A gathering of paintings, engravings, furniture and works of art reveals how her path and the legend around her were formed; how she leveraged her image to defy conventions and forge her own destiny, in an era when the fate of women of her rank was mapped by others.
Eligibility requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:30–18:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:30–18:30
Pavilion of the Dawn
Free, self-guided tour of the Dawn Pavilion
Discover the timeless elegance of the Domaine de Sceaux, its park and departmental museum!
The pavilion’s dome houses a grand allegorical painting on the theme of the Dawn, created by Charles Le Brun in 1672.
During your visit, explore the Château’s collections that evoke the site’s history and the art of living in the French style—from Louis XIV to Napoleon III: paintings, sculptures, furniture, drawings, prints, manuscripts, books and ceramics...
Educators will be on hand in the rooms to answer all your questions!
Participation conditions: The Dawn Pavilion is a small building limited to 19 people, staff included. It is not accessible to people with reduced mobility or to strollers. It has no toilets. - Free | No booking required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:30 to 18:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:30 to 18:30
Departmental Museum
Free, self-guided tour of the Château de Sceaux
Experience the timeless elegance of the Domaine de Sceaux, the departmental park and museum.
The château houses a collection that evokes the site's history and the art of French living, from Louis XIV to Napoleon III: paintings, sculptures, furniture, drawings, prints, manuscripts, books and ceramics...
Take the opportunity to explore the Pavillon de l'Aurore, home to a vast allegorical painting by Charles Le Brun dating from 1672.
In the rooms, guides will present the museum's masterpieces and answer all your questions!
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, 19 September 2026 — 10:30 to 18:30 | Sunday, 20 September 2026 — 10:30 to 18:30
Pavillon de préfiguration du musée du Grand Siècle
Self-guided tour to explore the 17th century
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, take a look behind the scenes of the upcoming Grand Siècle Museum, dedicated to 17th‑century French civilization.
Since 2021, a portion of the collection has been on view at the Petit Château de Sceaux. It will be open all weekend, with the museum team on site to answer your questions.
Participation requirements: Free of charge - Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 to 12:30, 14:00 to 17:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 to 12:30, 14:00 to 17:30
Guided tour to discover the 17th century
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, discover the behind-the-scenes of the future Grand Siècle Museum, dedicated to the French civilization of the 17th century.
Since 2021, part of the collection has been on display at the Petit Château de Sceaux. It will open all weekend, during which the museum team will showcase works drawn from the storerooms and lead guided tours that explore power, the art of living, faith, society, the fine arts and the sciences in 17th‑century France.
Participation terms: No booking required, limited to 20 people per visit – Free | No booking needed
Schedule: Saturday, 19 September 2026 – 10:30–11:30, 11:30–12:30, 14:30–15:30, 15:30–16:30, 16:30–17:30 | Sunday, 20 September 2026 – 10:30–11:30, 11:30–12:30, 14:30–15:30, 15:30–16:30, 16:30–17:30
An outstanding display of the library's collection
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, explore the project for the future Grand Siècle Museum, devoted to French civilization in the 17th century.
Since 2021, a portion of the collection has been on display at the Petit Château de Sceaux. Here you’ll encounter exceptionally released-from-storage old book collections, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the librarian’s craft.
Participation conditions: Back-to-back presentations all afternoon, no reservations required, limited to 30 people in the room at once. Free | No reservation needed
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
A great way to spend this special weekend in the Hauts-de-Seine! Shall we go, friends?
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Château de Sceaux
92330 Sceaux
Prices
Free
Official website
domaine-de-sceaux.hauts-de-seine.fr
