For art lovers, it's one of the major events of the year, and one not to be missed, marking the start of a long list of cultural festivities. The European Night of the Museums is a cultural event organized every year in France since 2005. Over the course of an evening, museums and art centers open their doors - often free of charge - and offer special events and tours to showcase their collections.
The Night of Museums typically takes place around May 18th, in celebration of International Museum Day. Depending on the calendar and to give the public the chance to fully enjoy the event, it is usually held on the Saturday before or after this date. In 2026, the Night of Museums is scheduled for Saturday, May 23rd.
European Museum Night was born of a German initiative: in 1997, Berlin created the "Long Night of the Museums" (Lange Nacht des Museen in the language of Goethe), an event encouraging citizens to visit and discover the museums near their homes. The idea was taken up by France in 1999, with the"Printemps des musées", and expanded considerably in 2001, when the 39 member countries of the Council of Europe signed a European Cultural Convention.
In 2005, the event officially became European Museum Night, with the aim of highlighting the cultural heritage of each country, attracting a younger, more nocturnal public to institutions often considered too austere, and shining the spotlight on Europe's culture, history and treasures.
Today, according to the French Ministry of Culture, over 3,000 European museums are joining in the festivities, including around 1,300 in France. Several million visitors are taking advantage of this exceptional night. Are you one of them?
Night of Museums 2026: Date and Program for the Upcoming Edition in Paris and Île-de-France
The Night of Museums 2026 is making a grand return this Saturday, May 23! This free cultural event offers the perfect opportunity to rediscover the museums of Paris and Île-de-France in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, as darkness falls. For one evening only, the region’s most beautiful cultural institutions open their doors to visitors free of charge. It’s the perfect chance to plan an itinerary around some spectacular nocturnal visits. We’re here to reveal the must-see highlights of this 2026 edition — a selection you won’t want to miss! [Read more]
Night of Museums 2026: Date and Program for the Upcoming Edition in Paris and Île-de-France
