Free exhibition and escape game offered during the 2026 Night of Museums at Pierre and Marie Curie Campus in Paris

This Saturday, May 23, 2026, during the 22nd Night of Museums, the Pierre and Marie Curie campus of Sorbonne University opens its doors to the public for free, inviting all to explore its impressive collections.

May's flagship cultural event is back: the Night of Museums is returning to Paris and Île-de-France on Saturday, May 23, 2026, for another spectacular edition.

Museums, monuments, art centers and foundations: for one evening, hundreds of venues open their doors to us, free of charge, to let us discover treasures of art and knowledge. And speaking of knowledge, what better way to learn something new than at a university?

Sorbonne University's Pierre et Marie Curie campus is also taking part in this great celebration of culture, with a special program for the curious of all ages.

The site, located near Jussieu in the 5th arrondissement, presents its scientific collections, housed in the university library. This evening at the Pierre et Marie Curie campus is thus transformed into an educational stroll, discovering these scientific exhibits, as well as the knowledge building, built over 60 years ago.

What to Expect at the 2026 Night of Museums at Sorbonne University’s Jussieu Campus:

Exhibition: Creating the Crystal, A Journey Between Art and Science
### Creating Crystals: A Journey Bridging Art and Science

Open from Tuesday to Saturday (excluding public holidays)

From 1 PM to 6 PM, until January 2, 2027

Crystals have fascinated humanity for centuries, admired for their beauty, unique properties, or the benefits attributed to them. Originally found in nature as mineral formations, crystals have been the focus of extensive scientific research. Today, they are the subject of diverse efforts in synthesis—aimed at replicating natural masterpieces, creating new materials, and uncovering unprecedented properties to meet society’s growing needs and explore new frontiers.

The exhibition Creating Crystals: A Journey Between Art and Science delves into a vast field of crystalline synthesis—from the crafting of the earliest gemstones to the development of innovative materials increasingly embedded in our daily lives. Visitors will discover how crystals, in all their forms and at various scales, are integral to many common tools and objects, enhancing our understanding of the mechanisms—and malfunctions—within living systems.

Beyond technical innovation, the exhibition invites visitors into a space of dialogue and reflection between two worlds: those of the scientist and the artist. It explores how research, industrial breakthroughs, and artistic creations intersect. Several artists—ADA, Léa Barbazanges, Vincent Gontier, and Robin Guittat—bring their visions inspired by science, matter, growth, and the delicate dance between control and chaos. Their works weave a poetic and aesthetic conversation with the historical and contemporary stories of inorganic and organic crystalline synthesis.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Escape room: The Quest for the Philosopher's Stone
The search for the Philosopher’s Stone: an escape game for ages 10 and up.

At the school of young wizards, a mysterious illness is spreading. Several students are unable to wake up and seem to be losing their substance, gradually disappearing. Will you be able to help your friends before it’s too late?
Participation requirements: Free, by registration. Limited to 20 places. - Free | Booking required - https://passculture.app/offre/399300344, collectionmineraux@sorbonne-universite.fr, https://mineraux.sorbonne-universite.fr/
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Storytelling Tour: Tell Me a Pebble
Since prehistoric times, minerals have captivated us with their shapes and vibrant colors. They have inspired countless strange and fantastical tales across the globe.

“Tell me a little stone ” offers an engaging storytelling tour of the mineral collection, specially designed for young audiences aged 5 to 7 years old.

https://mineraux.sorbonne-universite.fr/
Participation requirements: For children aged 5 to 7. Limited to 20 participants. - Free | No booking required
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 – 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Offbeat tour: The art of synthesis
Unconventional Visit: The Art of Synthesis

Explore the exhibition “Creating the Crystal: A Journey Through Art and Science” from a fresh perspective.
Participation conditions: Limited to 30 people. - Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM

And for a whole evening in the world of science, discover our thematic selection.

Night of Museums 2026: Science Museums Open Late Across Paris and Île-de-France
During the Night of Museums, science takes center stage! Here's what awaits you at the science museums and institutions. On the agenda: free night-time visits and captivating activities planned for Saturday, May 23, 2026. A perfect evening for both enthusiasts and the curious alike! [Read more]