An evening steeped in cinema, bringing you face to face with the greatest actors and directors in history… That’s what the Cinémathèque française offers for this new edition of Nuit des Musées in Paris, taking place on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
It's an evening that showcases cinema in the image of the museum created in 1936, whose original mission was to preserve and restore films before presenting exhibitions. The Cinémathèque has several exhibition areas: the Musée Méliès, the Musée du Cinéma, which showcases hundreds of costumes, photos, machines, props, sets and other exceptional items, and the temporary exhibition area, which highlights different actors, directors and film genres.
The Cinémathèque française: the temple of cinephiles in the heart of the Bercy district
For Parisians and lovers of the 7th art, the Cinémathèque française is a must-see cinema landmark in Paris: a cinema and museum dedicated to the history of cinema. [Read more]
Museum Night is the perfect time for visitors to discover the museum' s permanent collection and currentexhibition. As usual, the Cinémathèque française has planned a number of surprise activities, in keeping with the theme of the temporary exhibition. See below for details of the festive program.
Step into the phantasmagoric world of Georges Méliès through a one-of-a-kind, world-renowned collection of machines, costumes, drawings, models and photographs, and travel with this master of the early cinema as you trace the history of film—from its invention to today.
From 6 p.m. to midnight (last entry at 11 p.m.)
Free admission, online reservation required
What does the mythical aura of Marilyn Monroe—an absolute star, private and enigmatic, at once a femme fatale and a feminist icon—conceal? Through a rich selection of original costumes, clips, photographs, and rare documents, a major exhibition invites you to rediscover the actress at work, her interpretive gifts, and her place in the grand arc of Hollywood’s star system.
From 6 p.m. to midnight (last entry at 11 p.m.)
Free, online booking required
Drag Performance
Marilyn Monroe fans, the Screen Queens’ drag and cabaret collective brings its show to Museum Night, pulling you into a kitschy, burlesque universe. Diamonds, pink gear, and glitter for a doll-lighting evening!
With Lolita Laze, Morphine Blaze, and Babouchka Babouche
At 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM on the forecourt, in front of the Cinémathèque
Concert
The students from Virginie Capizzi's vocal jazz class at the Conservatoire Charles Munch (CMA11) pay tribute to Marilyn Monroe, bringing to life the timeless songs that underscored her most famous films. They will be backed by the rhythm section from Stéphane Audard's jazz workshop.
10 p.m. in Salle Henri Langlois
Free admission subject to availability, online reservation required
A great evening for all film lovers! Shall we go?
Dates and Opening Time
On May 23, 2026
Location
Cinémathèque Française
51 Rue de Bercy
75012 Paris 12
Access
Metro Bercy (lines 6 and 14)
Prices
Free
Official website
www.cinematheque.fr
The Cinémathèque française: the temple of cinephiles in the heart of the Bercy district
