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.
### 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.
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?
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/
Unconventional Visit: The Art of Synthesis
Explore the exhibition “Creating the Crystal: A Journey Through Art and Science” from a fresh perspective.
And for a whole evening in the world of science, discover our thematic selection.
Museum Night 2026: Scientific Museums and Their Events in Paris and Île-de-France
During Museum Night, science takes center stage! Here's what awaits you at various science museums and institutions. On the agenda: free evening visits and captivating activities scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
On May 23, 2026
Location
Sorbonne University Jussieu Campus
4 Place Jussieu
75005 Paris 5
Prices
Free
Museum Night 2026: Scientific Museums and Their Events in Paris and Île-de-France
