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.
Museum Night is usually held around May 18, International Museum Day. Depending on the calendar, and to enable the public to enjoy the event freely, the event takes place on the Saturday before or after this date. In 2025, Museum Night is scheduled for Saturday May 17.
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?
Nuit des Musées 2025: the full program for this artistic nocturne in Paris and the Île-de-France region
Nuit des Musées returns this Saturday, May 17, 2025! This free cultural event is the perfect opportunity to (re)discover the museums of Paris and Île-de-France in a unique atmosphere, as night falls. For one evening only, the finest cultural establishments open their doors to you free of charge. It's the perfect time to plan your itinerary among a selection of exceptional evening visits. Here are the must-see highlights of this 2025 edition! [Read more]
Nuit des Musées 2025: the full program for this artistic nocturne in Paris and the Île-de-France region
