Are you ready to spark your curiosity? The Night of Museums is set to flood cultural institutions across Paris and Île-de-France Saturday, May 23, 2026! This free, must-attend event for art lovers and the curious alike opens museum doors to visitors after dusk, unveiling their most precious treasures and best-kept secrets. A magical evening where the lines between past and present fade away, and where art comes to life before your eyes in a festive and exhilarating atmosphere.
The MAD Paris - Musée des Arts Décoratifs is a cultural jewel of French heritage. Founded in 1864, its mission is to promote the excellence of French art de vivre through an exceptional collection of furniture, jewelry, ceramics, textiles and many other objets d'art. Housed in the Marsan wing of the Palais du Louvre, the museum is a journey through time, revealing the evolution of tastes and styles from medieval times to the present day.
The MAD is also the stage for a string of temporary exhibitions, each more inventive than the last. Fashion, graphic design, pop culture—the playful, sometimes offbeat collections attract even those who usually shy away from cultural outings. With that in mind, what does Saturday, May 23, 2026 have in store for you?
Metamorphoses of Memphis
Have fun creating a 3D furniture model inspired by the bold, colorful world of the Memphis design movement.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM
What is this for?
As a special feature, the museum’s conservators present you with a selection of intriguing objects from the museum’s storerooms. Try to guess their purpose by handling them and by following the trail with the museum’s scientific teams.
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 - 6:30 PM ⤏ 11:00 PM
Earth and Light: A Haiku
Immerse yourself in the poetic world of contemporary glass and ceramic collections, then let your favorite object inspire you to write a haiku.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Explore our collections spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day
Dive into the permanent collections of the Musée des Arts décoratifs by joining a treasure-hunt style challenge. Across the different stages, you’ll meet the museum teams, observe, handle objects, and collect clues to track down the mystery object.
Participation requirements: Free of charge
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 6:30 PM–11:00 PM
Secrets Beneath the Surface
Come try on a 16th-century ruff, an 18th-century pannier, crinolines and other 19th-century bum pads, all reproduced identically, to better understand their role in fashion history.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Times : Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM
From everyday objects to museum pieces
Ten objects to discover... but why are they in the museum? With the help of the presenters, delve into their history, how they’re used, and the secrets of how they’re made, and learn what turns an everyday object into a museum piece.
Participation conditions: Free | No booking required
Schedules: Saturday, May 23, 2026 – 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Dates and Opening Time
On May 23, 2026
From 06:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Location
Museum of Decorative Arts
107 Rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris 1
Route planner
Accessibility info
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
madparis.fr
