Night of Museums 2026 at the Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Museum: a night-long journey through tales

Published by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on May 3, 2022 at 01:30 p.m.
The Quai Branly Museum takes part in the 22nd edition of Nuit des Musées and will welcome visitors of all ages for free on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Here’s the program for this free nocturnal event.

The Musée du Quai Branly will enchant us for the 22nd edition of the Nuit des Musées: this Saturday May 23, 2026, all evening long, the museum dedicated to the arts of Africa, Oceania, Asia and the Americas invites us to guided tours in a hushed, magical atmosphere, surrounded by speakers ready to illuminate the workings of societies around the world.

For this timeless evening, the Musée des arts et civilisations d'Afrique, d'Asie, d'Océanie et des Amériques welcomes us free of charge until midnight.

You can stroll through the rich collections from every continent, and rediscover the treasures of this museum through the various events organized for this Nuit des Musées, as well as taking part in the special activities planned for the evening. A program that should enthrall young and old, enthusiasts and neophytes alike...

What’s in store for the 2026 Night of Museums at the Musée du Quai Branly:

  • Creation of a collective mural at the Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Museum 2026
    Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 6:00 PM to 11:59 PM

    ### Collective mural

    In the museum lobby, join the creation of a large mural—a participatory, colorful piece of art that remains accessible throughout the evening.

    Piece by piece, the motifs inspired by the Africa Fashion exhibition come to life before your eyes!



  • Self-guided tour of the 'Africa Fashion' exhibition.
    Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 6:00 p.m. ⤏ 11:59 p.m.

    AFRICA FASHION

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    Fresh from stops in London, New York, Portland, Chicago, Melbourne and Montreal, the exhibition “Africa Fashion,” conceived by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, arrives in Paris and forges a dialogue between the leading designers shaping the contemporary African fashion scene and the Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Museum’s rich historical collections.



  • Self-guided visit to the Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac
    Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 6:00 PM to 11:59 PM

    For one night, the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac opens its doors wide for a festive, one-of-a-kind evening.

    Between the Africa Fashion and Paradis Plumes exhibitions, the museum’s permanent collections, and its rooftop terrace, enjoy a unique experience blending music, storytelling, quirky tours, and convivial moments... all free of charge!

    ### Full program

    * - A collective coloring mural for a shared, creative moment

    * - Offbeat mini-tours offering fresh, original views of the collections

    - Short concerts by the Bird Singers

    - Tales celebrating animals and nature

    ### And also

    * - A relaxation zone with cushions and sun loungers to enjoy the museum’s rooftop views

    * - The Africa Fashion playlist to keep you immersed in the exhibition’s atmosphere

    * - A photo op to take home a memory!



  • Self-guided tour of the exhibition "Plumes du paradis"
    Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 6:00 PM to 11:59 PM

    Paradise Feathers

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    ### Journeys of an extraordinary New Guinea bird

    From New Guinea's rainforests to the canvases of the great masters of the Northern School, a captivating journey tracing the footsteps of the birds of paradise, flamboyant creatures that have captivated the world for five centuries.



  • An offbeat tour of the Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Museum, 2026
    Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 6:15 PM ⤏ 11:15 PM

    ### Offbeat Tours

    Our guides invite you to explore the museum and its collections from a fresh perspective, offering a fresh, offbeat take on the works. Let yourself be surprised!

    • A departure every 15 minutes from the entrance to the Collections level

    • Duration: 25 minutes



  • Mini-concerts: Birdsong Singers at the Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac
    Saturday, May 23, 2026 - 7:00 PM ⤏ 7:15 PM, 8:00 PM ⤏ 8:15 PM, 9:00 PM ⤏ 9:15 PM

    ### Mini-concerts: Bird Singers

    * On the museum's rooftop terrace, the Bird Singers invite the public to a poetic and unexpectedly sensory experience. Through vocal imitations of birds from around the world, these artists evoke a living soundscape where songs, calls and feathered dialogues mingle.

    * In echo to the exhibition Plumes du Paradis, these performances will summon emblematic species of New Guinea, while highlighting the richness and fragility of living beings. Moments suspended between art, nature and wonder.



  • Storytelling on the rooftop terrace at the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
    Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 9:30 PM ⤏ 11:30 PM

    ### Tales on the Rooftop Terrace

    From 9:30 to 11:30 p.m., settle into the museum’s rooftop terrace and let the voices of our storytellers carry you through tales teeming with animals, forests, and landscapes from every corner of the world.



Here's a great family outing to enjoy during this 22nd Paris Night of Museums. Mini-tours, guided tours, storytelling tours: discover the museum and the stunning cultures it highlights, at your own pace.

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On May 23, 2026

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    37 Quai Jacques Chirac
    75007 Paris 7

    Route planner

    Accessibility info

    Access
    Metro line 9 "Iéna" station RER C "Pont de l'Alma" station

    Prices
    Free

    Official website
    m.quaibranly.fr

    Occupancy forecast
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