Every year, the Night of Museums invites us to rediscover our cultural heritage through a series of evening visits, often free of charge. The event is also packed with activities, concerts, workshops, and surprises. For this special night, museums, castles, monuments, and other cultural institutions open their doors to reveal their secrets during an evening full of discoveries. The 2026 edition will take place on Saturday, May 23rd.
If you're in the Yvelines region, you'll find a wonderful lineup for this Night of Museums 2026. Among the treasures in this Parisian suburb, the historic gem of Rambouillet stands out: the Palace of the King of Rome, a must-visit site steeped in history.
Built in the early 19th century under Napoleon I, this palace was originally designed to house his son, the King of Rome, also known as Napoleon II. This architectural gem, combining neoclassical and Empire styles, bears witness to the ambition and genius of the Napoleonic era. Every nook and cranny of the palace exudes history, with its sumptuous frescoes, ornate ceilings and magnificent formal gardens, where you'll love to stroll and escape. Would you like to find out more about the Nuit des Musées program? Find out more below:
A Free Hand for the Conservatory
To kick off European Museum Night, come enjoy musical interludes performed by the Solists of the Rambouillet Choir School, singing a cappella and backed by piano, every 30 minutes in the King of Rome Garden.
Participation conditions: Weather permitting. - Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
City Prize - Rambouillet Biennale: Véronique Heim — Présences
The City of Rambouillet celebrates Véronique Heim, the winner of the City Award at the 5th Biennale of Fine Arts.
Through the exhibitions « City Award – Rambouillet Biennale », the Palace of King of Rome showcases the work of the awarded artists and affirms its support for contemporary creation.
Self-taught in sculpture since 2021, Véronique Heim primarily focuses on busts, aiming to capture expression, emotion, and inner presence. She combines observation and interpretation, prioritizing conveying feelings over mere resemblance. Her delicate works are guided by intuition and a quest for authenticity, resulting in emotionally resonant pieces.
Participation requirements: Free | No booking required
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 8:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Popular Imagery and the Goose Game of the 18th Century
At the initiative of a visitor and collector of popular paper découpés, we will showcase an exceptional collection of 18th-century Goose Games, discuss the professions involved in creating folk imagery, and explore the techniques used in their production. These themes will be illustrated with a variety of beautiful everyday objects from that era, including the Goose Game treasures from municipal collections.
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 8:00 PM to 11:59 PM
The Palace's Secrets
Every half hour, a guide from the City of Art and History reveals the hidden stories behind the Palace of the King of Rome: secret doors, staircases that go nowhere, and remarkable historical collections…
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Times : Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 9:00 PM to 11:59 PM
The Pavilion's Secrets
Every half hour, a guide from the City of Art and History takes you behind the pavilion’s restoration in a nocturnal setting: an antique-style atrium, hidden documents, a secret fireplace…
Participation conditions: Limited to eight people per session. Registration is mandatory at the museum's reception desk. - Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 9:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Interview with Véronique Heim
Véronique Heim invites you into her exhibition, "Présences." She'll showcase her work and share insights into her techniques. Feel free to ask her any questions you may have!
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.
Dates and Opening Time
On May 23, 2026
Location
Palace of the King of Rome
Place du Roi de Rome
78120 Rambouillet
Route planner
Prices
Free
Official website
www.rambouillet.fr
