Pirates, saltwater sailors and lovers of the marine world, circle this date: Saturday, May 23, 2026. The National Museum of the Navy opens its doors for free for an exceptional nocturnal event. All evening long, this hub of art and history welcomes the curious, as part of the 22nd edition of the Nuit des Musées.
French ports, representations of power, trade, the art of navigation, the navy: the Musée de la Marine tells the story of naval history and the importance of the sea in France since the 17th century. Visitors can admire numerous ship models, paintings, sculptures, old and new navigation technologies, outfits and equipment, objets d'art...
All these treasures, and much more, await discovery during guided tours for the 22nd edition of the Night of Museums. This Europe‑wide event aims to highlight the country’s cultural and artistic heritage and to open museums to all audiences for an extraordinary evening.
Walks, encounters, concerts or shows, games, exhibitions... Museums often organize special events for this event. Find out what the Musée de la Marine has planned!
During the Night of Museums, the captions for the museum’s major pictorial works will be hacked by 12 students from the UPE2A-NSA class at Collège de la Grange-aux-Belles (Paris 10e). These temporary captions will offer free, sensitive reinterpretations—drawn and written—as the fruit of a discovery journey into the masterpieces that have made the cultural institution famous.
The pirate captions will be on display for the Night of Museums, allowing visitors to glimpse how non-native-speaking children who were not previously enrolled in school interpret iconic paintings, weaving their own histories and experiences into the works.
This project is led by Cécile LeDilly, a teacher of the UPE2A-NSA class at the college, together with Simon Paul Lorans, a teacher of Visual Arts. At the Musée de la Marine, Mathilde Teissier, who is responsible for accessibility within the mediation department, ensures the project is adapted to the students’ needs.
On the occasion of Europe’s Museum Night, visit the temporary exhibition The Navy and the Painters. Four Centuries of Art and Power free of charge and with no booking required, as well as the 46th Salon de la Marine.
The evening forms part of the commemorations honoring the victims of colonial slavery. Museum professionals and mediators shed light on a selection of works.
The evening forms part of the commemorations honoring the victims of colonial slavery. A theatrical performance brings this tribute to life along the museum’s collection displays.
Le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.
And while you're in the area, take a look at the programming of nearby museums.
Night of Museums 2026 in Paris: The Schedule of Activities by Borough
The Night of Museums is coming to Paris on Saturday, May 23, 2026. It’s a great opportunity to explore museums that are sometimes pricey, sometimes tucked away and lesser-known, all offering unique experiences. In Paris, over 80 museums are taking part in this special night. Here’s a lineup of must-see events for this unforgettable late-night event. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
On May 23, 2026
Location
Musée national de la Marine
17 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre
75116 Paris 16
Prices
Free
Official website
www.musee-marine.fr
Night of Museums 2026 in Paris: The Schedule of Activities by Borough
