Night of Museums 2026 at Archéa: Evening Tours at the Archaeology Museum in Val d'Oise

Published by Rizhlaine de Sortiraparis, Laurent de Sortiraparis, Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on April 17, 2026 at 02:16 p.m.
Why not explore Archéa, the archaeology museum in the Pays de France? For the Night of Museums, the Archaeology Museum of Louvres in the Val d'Oise is offering a special lineup on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Here's a glimpse of what awaits you!

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).

What's on offer for the 2026 Night of Museums at Archéa in Val d'Oise:

  • Lantern Making Workshop
    Saturday, May 23, 2026 - 7:00 PM to 11:59 PM

    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!



  • "Red! - A Showcase of the Educational Project with Pierre Genouvrier"
    Saturday, May 23, 2026 – from 7:00 PM to 11:59 PM

    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.



  • Guided tours of ARCHÉA's permanent exhibition
    Saturday, May 23, 2026 - 7:00 PM to 11:59 PM

    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.



  • Guided Tours of "Red! Archaeology of a Color," ARCHÉA's Special Exhibition
    Saturday, May 23, 2026 - 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM

    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.



  • Escape game: chaos erupts in Saint-Rieul!
    Saturday, May 23, 2026 — from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, then from 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM

    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!



  • Impromptu Imaginary Tour
    Saturday, May 23, 2026 — from 7:30 PM to 8:15 PM, then again from 9:30 PM to 10:15 PM

    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.



Happy Museum Night at the Musée Archéa!

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On May 23, 2026

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

    Location

    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

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