Night at the Museums 2026 at the Grand Palais: A Free Evening Featuring the Must-See Matisse Exhibition

For the 2026 Night of Museums, the Grand Palais invites us to explore one of its major current exhibitions during a midnight art walk, scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026.

The Night of Museums is making its return for its 22nd edition, this coming Saturday May 23, 2026. To mark the occasion, the Grand Palais will open its doors for an enchanting evening. This iconic Parisian venue invites visitors to enjoy a nocturnal stroll among the artworks currently on display.

Originally opened for the 1900 World's Fair, this historic monument stands opposite the Petit Palais and is just a short walk from the Champs-Élysées. It ranks among Paris’s most iconic landmarks, featuring a stunning nave that rises 45 meters high, along with several adjoining halls.

The Grand Palais consistently draws all kinds of visitors: after all, its programming knows how to captivate. Thanks to its vast spaces and numerous galleries, the Grand Palais hosts exhibitions, fairs, and trade shows — and even dazzling fashion shows!

This May, it's art lovers who are set to gather in Paris's 8th arrondissement to enjoy one of the city’s major cultural events on the Parisian calendar. The Night of Museums is a special evening dedicated to art, offering the opportunity to explore hundreds of museums and cultural venues for free. What more could you ask for?

The Night of Museums 2026 Schedule at the Grand Palais:

100% gaming at the Seine Expo!
A temporary game library arrives at the Grand Palais for a weekend, creating an open play space for everyone. Designed to bring together young and old around a playful experience, this program offers a diverse and accessible lineup: board games, dexterity games, building games, video games, and games for toddlers. The Seine Salon invites visitors, whether with family, solo, or with friends, to celebrate the Night of Museums by playing… on Saturday and Sunday!
Participation requirements: Limited seats available - Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 12:00–21:00
Board game tournament
A convivial competition built around a curated selection of games from the Salon Seine. Participants are invited to register in groups of three. The event runs at the same times on Sunday, May 24.
Participation guidelines: For ages 10 and up - Free | Reservation required - asso@aladressedujeu.fr
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 14:00–15:00, 16:00–17:00
Night opening of the exhibition “Matisse 1941–1954”
The exhibition « Matisse. 1941-1954 » sheds light on the final phase of the artist’s creative journey, spanning from 1941 to 1954, through a showcase of unprecedented scale in France. It features paintings, drawings, cut-out gouaches, illustrated books, textiles, and stained glass—each reflecting this vibrant new burst of artistic energy. Never before had Matisse demonstrated such prolific diversity across mediums and techniques. This exceptional and free exhibition is a highlight of this year’s European Night of Museums.
Participation requirements: Subject to availability - Free | No reservations
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Evening opening of the exhibition 'Nan Goldin, This Will Not End Well'
A true icon of contemporary photography, Nan Goldin is now showcasing her work as a filmmaker. The Grand Palais hosts the first retrospective in France dedicated to her videos and slide shows, which the artist describes as “films made of photographs.” It’s an intimate journey into her life, friendships, loves, and struggles.
Participation terms: Subject to availability. (The works in the exhibition address suicide, domestic violence, drug use, and sexuality) - Free | No reservation required
Times: Saturday, May 23, 2026 – 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Evening at the Hilma af Klint Exhibition
Discover the visionary world of Hilma af Klint (1862-1944), a pioneer of abstraction who long lingered in the shadows. Her body of work upended the chronology of modern art. Through her sweeping canvases and her most intimate pieces, her art fuses color, form, and symbols with a boldly captivating audacity.
Participation requirements: Subject to availability - Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM

This special evening is expected to draw many art enthusiasts, so it's recommended to arrive early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the experience of this nighttime event.

Night of Museums: a captivating evening filled with art, history, and cultural surprises. Visitors can explore renowned exhibits, enjoy special performances, and experience the city’s heritage like never before. Don't miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of museums after hours.