The Journées du Patrimoine are the occasion for history enthusiasts to travel back in time. From medieval monuments to grand institutions, via museums and historic monuments, they are many to open their doors and reveal all their secrets for the weekend. In Paris, the Collège de France is also part of this cultural ballet that awaits you on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Since 1530, the Collège de France (formerly the Collège Royal) has been home to researchers and intellectuals on the historic Marcelin-Berthelot site, just a stone's throw from the Sorbonne. As part of the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), this great institution invites you to discover its treasures and much more. After all, the institution's precious collections retrace no less than 2,000 years of history!
In addition to tours of the vaulted rooms and showcases of artifacts from archaeological digs in Gallo-Roman and medieval Paris, or theteachers' assembly hall, there's also an experimental science laboratory and a large terrace offering an unparalleled view of Paris!
Visit to the Collège de France
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, September 19 and 20, 2026, whose theme this year is Heritage in Peril, the Collège de France opens its doors for an exceptional guided tour across its two sites in the heart of the Latin Quarter. This itinerary will showcase both the wealth and diversity of the heritage and the missions of a renowned institution that has spent five centuries advancing knowledge.
### Points notables de votre visite
* The Letarouilly Courtyard, whose 19th‑century portico was recently restored thanks to the support of the Clément Fayat Foundation, Crédit Agricole d’Île-de-France Mécénat, and the Louis Vicat Foundation.
* The Marguerite de Navarre Amphitheatre, where, among other things, the famous Inaugural Lectures are delivered.
* The Assembly Hall, where the institution’s solemn deliberations shape its life. Professors and archival staff will share insights about this room with its emblematic furniture and decoration.
* The rooftop terrace of the research building, a relaxing and convivial space for all staff and a magnificent viewpoint over Paris.
The works published by the Collège de France Editions will be on sale and signed by their authors during signing sessions on the rooftop terrace.
Diverse Collège de France–branded souvenirs will be available at the pop‑up shop opened for the occasion.
A children’s trail, presented as a game booklet, will guide youngsters to discover the history of the Collège de France through puzzles and questions.
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 to 18:00 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 to 18:00
Visit to the Institute of Civilizations
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, whose theme this year is Heritage in Peril, the Collège de France opens its doors for an exceptional tour across its two sites in the heart of the Latin Quarter. This itinerary will let visitors appreciate the richness and diversity of heritage as well as the missions of an illustrious institution five centuries devoted to the progress of knowledge.
At the Cardinal-Lemoine site, just a few minutes from the Marcelin-Berthelot site, visitors will have the chance to discover the Institute of Civilisations. It brings together all the Chairs, laboratories and research libraries of the Collège de France that study the great civilizations of the past and the societies explored by anthropology and ethnology.
The public will be able to access the building’s garden-level and the Byzantine library.
Activities for children will be offered.
Mini-lectures by Collège de France professors (30 minutes) and book signings. The mini-lectures will require prior registration, by following this link starting in September.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Institute of Civilizations Lectures
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, this year focusing on Heritage at Risk, the Collège de France opens its doors for an exceptional tour across its two campuses in the heart of the Latin Quarter. The itinerary will showcase the richness and diversity of heritage alongside the missions of a renowned institution dedicated for five centuries to the progress of knowledge.
Professor-led lectures will be offered, followed by book signings.
These lectures require prior registration, via this link from September.
### Programme :
### Saturday, September 19
10:30 – 11:30 Denis Knoepfler
An ancient Greek site still relatively untouched by overtourism (but for how long?): the sanctuary and fortress of Rhamnonte excavated by the Archaeological Society of Athens
11:30-12:30 Didier Fassin
Title to be announced
12:30-13:30 Vinciane Pirenne-Delforge
Stabilizing the classical heritage: Pausanias’s travels under the Roman Empire
13:30-14:30 Jean-Noël Robert
Evgeni Polivanov (1891-1938), martyr of Oriental studies and pioneer of Japanese studies
14:30-15:30 Jean-Luc Fournet
Pagan temples in Christian Egypt: endangered, abandoned, or preserved heritage?
15:30-16:30 Nalini Anantharaman
René Descartes’s method in geometry
16:30-17:30 Alain Supiot
The equal dignity of cultures
### Sunday, September 20
12:30-13:30 Thomas Römer
Title to be announced
14:30-15:30 Dominique Charpin
Iraqi and Syrian heritage at risk
15:30-16:30 Dario Mantovani
“Law”: the history of a word, the fate of an idea
Participation requirements: Registrations will open in September — Free | Booking required - https://www.college-de-france.fr/fr/actualites/journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine-2026
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00–18:00 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00–18:00
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Collège de France
11 Place Marcelin Berthelot
75005 Paris 5
Route planner
Accessibility info
Access
Metro Maubert-Mutualité (line 10), Odéon (lines 4 and 10)
Prices
Free
