Nuit des Musées 2024 in Paris: free evening tours of the Museum of the History of Medicine

Nuit des Musées is one of the highlights of the capital's cultural calendar. Paris and the whole of the Île-de-France region get in on the act, as cultural venues welcome enthusiasts and the curious for visits that are often free of charge, nocturnes, and a fine program of events, concerts, performances and other surprises. Museums, castles, monuments and institutions all get in on the action, helping us discover the heritage of the Paris region in a whole new way.

It's also an opportunity to discover the more confidential spots and secret museums hidden in the four corners of the capital. These fascinating places share their own treasures and knowledge with you. If you're fascinated by medicine, head to the Latin Quarter to discover the Musée de l'Histoire de la Médecine, which is also taking part in the Nuit des Musées.

• To be read
• Tips for the week of April 29 - May 5, 2024 in Paris: free or inexpensive outings
• What to do in Paris and the Ile-de-France region in April 2024? Our good plans and ideas to discover
• In less than 100 days, Paris will unite the world! A historic chapter, to be written together

The Musée d'Histoire de la Médecine in Paris: a unique showcase of medical curiosities
Curved knives, a hand prosthesis dating back to the 16th century, a trepanning box more than 500 years old, porcelain dentures from the 18th century or the first portable electrocardiograph... all these objects and instruments can be discovered at the incredible Museum of the History of Medicine, nestled at the headquarters of Université Paris Cité. Would you like a tour? [Read more]

Here, the evolution of the art of surgery from Antiquity to the 1950s is traced through a permanent exhibition featuring instruments (including those used in the care of King Louis XIV), anatomical models, medals and paintings. It is also one of the oldest collections in Europe.

The Nuit des Musées 2024 program at the Musée de l'Histoire de la Médecine

• Closing of the exhibition "Le Médecin face à la douleur. XVIe-XVIIIe siècles" exhibition
  Saturday, May 18, 6:00 p.m.
  

  The doctor and pain. 16th-18th centuries.
  
  We invite you to come and discover for the very last time the exhibition "Le Médecin face à la douleur. XVIe-XVIIIe siècles" at the Université Paris Cité Museum of the History of Medicine.
  
  Pain management is sometimes perceived as a novelty, a practice neglected in the past. Yet pain was already a preoccupation in the 16th to 18th centuries. Even if medicine of this period was partly powerless to remedy it, doctors often mentioned it and always sought to relieve it. Focusing on the 16th - 18th centuries gives us a new perspective on this problem.

  
  
  
• Visit to the Museum of the History of Medicine
  Saturday, May 18, 6:00 p.m.
  

  European Museum Night at the Musée d'Histoire de la Médecine
  
  For the third year running, we invite you to discover the Musée d'Histoire de la Médecine and visit the exhibition "Le médecin face à la douleur. XVIe-XVIIIe siècles".