In the Paris region, good ideas come one after another this spring. And this Saturday, May 23, 2026, we’re marking the 22nd edition of the Nuit des Musées. As the name suggests, this cultural rendezvous invites us to dive into the historical and artistic treasures of Paris and Île-de-France for a special late-night experience. The program features free tours as well as quirky activities and workshops designed for all ages, for one evening.
Every year a broad program awaits, and this one has something for every passion. The Yvelines department is pulling out all the stops with tours across its territory. In Élancourt, the Musée de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines invites us to explore the Comm@nderie, the city of digital technology housed at the heart of a historic site: the Commanderie des Templiers.
Made up of a chapel, the guardhouse, and what was once Élancourt’s most important farm, this captivating, history-rich site has been repurposed into a cultural center—a strikingly anachronistic contrast. So, eager to discover the lineup for the Nuit des Musées 2026 in the département du 78?
Mapping Workshop: Light Projections
Creating projection mapping, the art of making volumes come alive with projected drawings
Inspired by digital practice, this equally fun approach to discover is accessible and taps into our childhood memories, thanks to old modified overhead projectors.
Some of your creations will be incorporated into the AR-Lumen show, projected onto the building!
30-minute roaming workshop
17:00 – 18:00
18:00 – 19:00
19:00 – 20:00
Show at 22:00
Suitable for ages 6 and up
Location: Bièvre 2 Building
La Comm@nderie - digital city
Digital Museum: Old-Time Leisure and Children's Games
What if games tell the story of who we are, from dolls to video games? From childhood to today, discover how they mirror our lives, our cultures, and the evolutions of society.
On your marks… Get set… Play! From chess to bowling, tavern dice to the melodies of ancient instruments, see how artists have portrayed leisure from days gone by. Paintings, sculptures and frescoes reveal the art of having fun through the ages.
Displayed on a projected screen linked to 30 tablets, the digital museum lets you explore more than 6,000 artworks from over 200 museums and castles.
50-minute conference
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Accessible for ages 6 and up
Location: Bièvre Building 1
La Comm@nderie - Digital City
Gaming Room: Video Game Tournament
Share a playful gaming experience, in teams or in a mix of adult and child players. In tournament format, dive together into the world of video games.
On the occasion of the Night of Museums on Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Comm@nderie opens the doors to its gaming room. Guided by our team, discover a curated selection of cooperative, creative, or educational games suitable for all ages.
50-minute session
20:00 – 21:00
21:00 – 22:00
Open to ages 8 and up with an accompanying adult
Location: Gaming Room – Bièvre 2 building
La Comm@nderie – digital city
Dates and Opening Time
On May 23, 2026
Location
Commanderie des Templiers de la Villedieu
Route de Dampierre
78990 Elancourt
Official website
www.saint-quentin-en-yvelines.fr
