Archéa, the Archaeology Museum in Pays de France welcomes families and archaeology enthusiasts for the occasion of the Night of Museums on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Throughout the evening, visitors can explore the history of Pays de France, from the Prehistoric era through to the 19th century, by discovering the findings uncovered during excavations carried out during the construction of Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport.
The museum, located in Louvres in the Val-d'Oise region, opened its doors in 2010, and was conceived as a heritage conservation facility, just like the Musée archéologique du Val-d'Oise. In addition to a permanent exhibition, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, a documentation center, mediation activities and publications based on the results of archaeological research carried out in the region by local associations over the past 40 years.
In all, over 50,000 archaeological objects are kept in the reserves, some of which are on display to visitors. The museum has been built around the ARCHEA scientific project, which focuses on archaeology and the region, and also highlights several of the establishment's other attractions, such as the Château d'Orville archaeological site and the ceramic and millstone heritage of the Ysieux valley. All of which is sure to pique the interest of archaeology enthusiasts, and provide a new perspective on the discipline during the Nuit des Musées (Night of the Museums).
Lantern-Making Workshop
Light up your evening during the Night of Museums with a lantern you've crafted yourself. The current exhibition at the museum will ensure that red takes center stage!
Participation conditions: Workshop open to ages 5 and up, subject to availability, on-site registration on the day. Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 7:00 PM to 11:59 PM
“Red!” Exhibition of the educational project with Pierre Genouvrier
Pierre Genouvrier is a contemporary visual artist whose work explores footprints, archaeological and paleontological traces through drawing and sculpture. For the exhibition Rouge! The Archaeology of a Color, he had the opportunity to showcase his pieces at three schools and to engage in artistic outreach with seven elementary classes in Garges-lès-Gonesse. The project centered around archaeology and the color red. From individual creations to collective projects, each student contributed by making a paving element composed of several ceramic tiles, featuring unique patterns inspired by gathered objects and local mapping.
This initiative was part of the programs “La classe l’œuvre” and “L’œuvre à l’école,” as well as the ACTE project of the Garges-lès-Gonesse district. The exhibition will run until June 14th.
Participation requirements: Free entry for the entire evening - Free | No reservations
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 7:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Guided tours of ARCHÉA's permanent exhibition
Tours to (re)discover the history of the Pays de France through its archaeological artefacts. Guided tours open to the whole family, accompanied by an ARCHÉA mediator. Booklets and games are available for children.
Conditions of participation : Regular tour departures depend on crowd levels. - Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 7:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Guided tours of "Red! Archaeology of a Color," ARCHÉA's temporary exhibition
Guided tours of the temporary exhibition "Red! Archaeology of a Color" are available for visitors of all ages, led by an ARCHÉA mediator. Children can enjoy activity booklets designed for them.
Ongoing sessions are scheduled based on visitor attendance.
Participation terms: Free | No booking required
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Escape game: panic in Saint-Rieul!
What’s really going on at the Saint-Rieul Tower? While the museum team is busy setting up a new exhibition, strange and unexplained phenomena are starting to disrupt their work. Located within the historic Saint-Rieul Tower, a site renowned for its discovery of ancient Merovingian tombs, visitors are now encouraged to explore the space, uncover its secrets, and learn more about the museum’s history and its collection.
In teams, participants are immersed in a confined environment for a limited amount of time, working together to solve a puzzle. They’ll need to search, manipulate objects, think critically, and most importantly, collaborate to crack the case!
Participation requirements: Phone registration required, limited places, for ages 12 and up. - Booking required | Free - 0134090102, https://passculture.app/offre/401680016
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM
An Improvised, Imaginary Visit
The improvisational actors from the Marcq-en-Baüel Improv League invite you to a spontaneous tour of the museum. Point out an object among the exhibits, and they'll whisk you away on a journey filled with humor and poetic tales.
Participation conditions: Free. Sign-up for both performances at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on-site on the day of the event, subject to availability. - Free | No advance booking
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 7:30 PM–8:15 PM, 9:30 PM–10:15 PM
Happy Museum Night at the Musée Archéa!
Dates and Opening Time
On May 23, 2026
Location
Archéa Museum
56 Rue de Paris
95380 Louvres
Route planner
Accessibility info
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
archea.roissypaysdefrance.fr
More information
Free admission subject to availability
