Night of Museums 2026 at the Relief Map Museum in Paris: theatrical tours and mystery quests

Night of Museums 2026 is making its comeback in Paris and the Île-de-France region. To celebrate, the Plans-Reliefs Museum, located within the Hôtel des Invalides in the 7th arrondissement, will stay open late and present a specially curated program for the occasion on May 23, 2026.

Each year, the Night of Museums offers a vibrant cultural evening filled with an extraordinary lineup of free late-night visits to museums, monuments, and other captivating sites, often accompanied by special events. Across Paris and the entire Île-de-France region, numerous treasures from our heritage open their doors, giving us the chance to enjoy a variety of exciting offers. The program is so extensive that everyone can find an outing that matches their passion. So, mark your calendars—don’t miss the upcoming edition on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

The Musée des Plans Reliefs, a unique collection in Paris
The Musée des Plans Relief, located in the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, houses some 100 relief plans of fortified towns. Once used for military purposes, they are now preserved in their original state at the Invalides, where you can discover these immense models of French towns. [Read more]

Fortunately, the Museum of Relief Maps will be opening its doors for free tonight in a special evening event for the 22nd edition of the Night of Museums this Saturday May 23, 2026. Located within the Hôtel des Invalides, this museum houses a remarkable collection of scale models and relief maps commissioned by Louis XIV to develop his military strategies. With around 200 models, including 40 representing historic monuments, this collection is a true marvel of craftsmanship and detail.

The Nuit des Musées is your chance to discover this astonishing museum, located in the heart of one of the capital's most iconic historic buildings, part of the legacy left by the Sun King. Want to know what to expect? We've listed the detailed program below!

2026 Night of Museums Schedule at the Museum of Relief Maps

The toddlers' corner
The "Little Ones’ Corner": a cozy, quiet space where you can read, play, or simply take a break with your children.
Participation requirements: Free admission - No reservation required | Free
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 7:00 PM to 11:45 PM
Children recount the city’s relief maps
CE2 students from Joliot-Curie School in Bagnolet share their stories about the cities showcased on the models at the Plans-Reliefs Museum, from 7 PM to 9 PM.
Participation conditions: Free entry, no registration required - Free | No reservation
Hours: Saturday, May 23, 2026 – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Theatrical guided tours
Short skits will be performed to whimsically introduce you to the museum's Relief Map collection! Louis XIV, Napoleon, and Victor Hugo will be delighted to share the stories behind these masterpieces.
Participation conditions: Free admission, no registration required - Free | No reservations
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 7:15–7:45 p.m., 8:15–8:45 p.m., 9:45–10:15 p.m., 11:00–11:30 p.m.
The Enigmas of the Plans-Reliefs — COMPLETE
A puzzle game where, as a team, you'll need to find the museum's models. An inventive way to explore the world's only collection of relief models and learn more about these impressive miniatures, some dating back to the 17th century!
Participation conditions: Free. Registration required. Open to visitors aged 14 and up. - Free | Mandatory reservation - https://museedesplansreliefs.fr/formulaire-nuit-des-musees
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 7:30 PM–8:30 PM, 9:00 PM–10:00 PM, 10:30 PM–11:30 PM
Timed challenge game
The timeline has been turned upside down, and centuries have blended together! Come play at the museum, whether solo or with friends, and challenge yourself to put the major dates of French history and our scale models back in order. Open to all ages. Free admission.
Participation conditions: Free entry, no reservation required - Free | No reservation
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM

How about a Museum Night for the whole family?

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