Calling all lovers of fine books and other bibliophiles... For the Heritage Days, the libraries and archives of Paris open their doors on the 19 and 20 September 2026, to reveal the secrets of these remarkable places, as well as their finest volumes. An opportunity to dive into the world of books and their backstage like never before.
Do you think of libraries and archives as dusty, boring places? It's time to change your mind! Let yourself be surprised and discover these places of knowledge, on the occasion of the Journées du Patrimoine. Guided tours, exhibitions, rummage sales, quizzes and games, workshops, meetings... The capital's libraries and archives are much livelier than you might think!
For this 43rd edition of the Heritage Days, the theme of architectural heritage takes center stage. Come discover what this concept means for these spaces dedicated to preservation and to the sharing of culture and History.
Here's a curated selection of sites to explore during this year’s Heritage Days 2026—don’t forget to check whether reservations are required.



Heritage Days 2026: Explore the City of Paris Historical Library
Paris’ Historical City Library offers an extraordinary behind-the-scenes look for Heritage Days, on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026. Take a look inside a grand townhouse in the heart of the Marais. [Read more]



Heritage Days 2026 at the Paris School of Mines and its museum, housed in the Hôtel de Vendôme
On the occasion of the 43rd edition of Heritage Days, the Mines Paris – PSL engineering school invites the curious to discover its campus, housed in the Hôtel de Vendôme, as well as its Mineralogy Museum, on Saturday, September 19, 2026. [Read more]



For Heritage Days 2026, the Institut de France is opening its doors, exceptionally.
The Institut de France will take part in the 43rd edition of the European Heritage Days, which will be held on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026. This is an opportunity to discover one of Paris's lesser-known institutions, rich in history and tradition. [Read more]



Art, History and Science: the program for the 2026 Heritage Days in Nanterre (92)
The Journées du Patrimoine invite you to the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. The city of Nanterre, in the Hauts-de-Seine, unveils its schedule of tours and activities: stock up on great tips and deals! [Read more]



Heritage Days 2026 in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78): the royal city’s program.
Heritage Days are back on 19 and 20 September 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France, bringing you fresh cultural discoveries. In Yvelines, Saint-Germain-en-Laye stays true to tradition and presents a 'royal' program to explore during this exceptional weekend. On your calendars: mark these dates! [Read more]



Heritage Days 2026: the schedule of tours in Ivry-sur-Seine (94)
A stroll, a church, an art center, a theatre, an observatory... Ivry-sur-Seine has no shortage of points of interest! Take part in Heritage Days on September 19–20, 2026 to discover this Val-de-Marne municipality through its heritage. [Read more]



Heritage Days 2026 in Paris: activities at the Polish Library and its hidden museums
The Polish Library in Paris takes part in Heritage Days on Saturday, September 19, 2026. A chance to discover this little-known gem of the capital, along with its three intimate museums: the Adam Mickiewicz Museum, the Biegas Museum, and the Frédéric Chopin Salon. A must-see during Heritage Days! [Read more]



This library is rarely open to the public; you can visit it during the 2026 Heritage Days.
In Paris, at the heart of the Latin Quarter, the Jacques Doucet Library is a hidden treasure that will open its doors for an exceptional Heritage Days weekend on September 19 and 20, 2026. [Read more]



European Heritage Days 2026 in Paris: the National Institute for Art History and Its Library (INHA)
On the occasion of the 43rd edition of Heritage Days, the National Institute of Art History will open its doors to the public—exceptionally and free of charge—for the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]



Heritage Days 2026: explore the treasures of the BnF’s various sites in Paris
For Heritage Days, the Bibliothèque nationale de France opens its doors on 19 and 20 September 2026. On the program? A look at the various sites, tours of the restoration workshops, and showcases of numerous documents. [Read more]



Heritage Days 2026: the BNF’s Richelieu site will open its doors for free this weekend.
The Richelieu site of the National Library of France opens its historic doors for the Heritage Days weekend, September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]



Heritage Days 2026 in Paris: visit the Sainte-Geneviève Library, a listed historic monument.
For the 43rd edition of Heritage Days in Paris, the Sainte-Geneviève Library invites you to delve into its history. Discover the secrets of this Latin Quarter treasure this Sunday, September 20, 2026. [Read more]



Weekend of events at the Jardin des Plantes and its Natural History Museum for the 2026 Heritage Days.
A date with the heart of wildlife and flora awaits you for Heritage Days 2026 in Paris. Here is the program from the National Museum of Natural History and the Jardin des Plantes for this weekend of September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]



Embark on a tour of this unusual townhouse for Paris’s 2026 Heritage Days.
Located in the heart of Paris, this grand townhouse with medieval architecture awaits you for the European Heritage Days 2026. Discover the program on offer for the weekend of 19–20 September 2026. [Read more]



Unlock the secrets of the National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts’ Central Library for Heritage Days 2026
The Heritage Days 2026 will take you to the heart of the capital’s little-known treasures, including the Central Library of the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers. See you on September 19 and 20, 2026 in Paris! [Read more]



Heritage Days 2026 at the National Archives in Paris: weekend activities
The National Archives in Paris will open their doors to the public free of charge on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, offering tours of their grand townhouse and its exhibitions for the European Heritage Days. [Read more]



European Heritage Days 2026: games and activities at the Paris Departmental and Municipal Archives
The Paris Departmental and Municipal Archives join the Heritage Days lineup on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, inviting us to discover the behind-the-scenes workings of the institution, as well as Paris’s history from a new angle! [Read more]
These places of knowledge and culture await you! Didn't find what you were looking for in this selection? Take a look at the great Parisian institutions and temples of fashion.
Heritage Days 2026: Paris and Île-de-France’s major institutions open up.
On the occasion of Paris Heritage Days, the great institutions are exceptionally opening their doors to us this Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026. From the Bank of France to the Cour des Comptes and the ministries, you'll uncover every secret. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: dive into the worlds of fashion, luxury and beauty
Heritage Days 2026 are back in Paris this weekend, September 19–20, 2026. To mark the occasion, we invite you to explore the fashion temples of Paris, many of which are opening their doors to visitors. The secrets of the couture houses and grand department stores are waiting for you! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026