Night of Museums 2026 in Paris: Last-minute spots to visit without a reservation

Published by La Rédac · Photos by My de Sortiraparis · Updated on March 4, 2026 at 06:21 p.m.
During the Night of Museums on Saturday, May 23, 2026, you can hop from one art and cultural venue to the next, all without needing to book in advance. Get ready for last-minute museum visits that promise an unforgettable nocturnal experience!

Are you the type to let yourself be carried away by the moment, to go out on a whim? You don't like to plan your events too far in advance, preferring to go from surprise to surprise? That's a great philosophy of life, and one that can lead to some wonderful moments! But let's not kid ourselves: it can also have its disadvantages: who's never been refused entry to a museum for lack of space or reservations?

Fortunately, there’s still room for dreamers like you in Paris. This Saturday, May 23, 2026, the 22nd edition of the Night of Museums is taking over the city and the Île-de-France region.

This Europe-wide event gives us the chance to discover or rediscover museums, monuments and art venues near us, over the course of an entire evening. During this exceptional nocturne, participating venues compete in creativity to bring their collections to life and highlight their treasures.

And the good news is that many of these museums and monuments are accessible without reservation! Their wide-open doors welcome us all evening long, for our greatest pleasure. Here are the places you can visit freely this Nuit des Musées.

In Paris (75)

Le Musée d'histoire de la médecine à Paris, nos photos - IMGP3248Le Musée d'histoire de la médecine à Paris, nos photos - IMGP3248Le Musée d'histoire de la médecine à Paris, nos photos - IMGP3248Le Musée d'histoire de la médecine à Paris, nos photos - IMGP3248 Night of Museums 2026: Enjoy a Free Evening at the Museum of Medical History in Paris
The Night of Museums will return on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Paris. To mark the occasion, the Museum of Medical History will open its doors for free evening visits. A perfect opportunity for curiosity seekers and enthusiasts alike. [Read more]

La Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé à Paris - IMG20241211100656La Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé à Paris - IMG20241211100656La Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé à Paris - IMG20241211100656La Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé à Paris - IMG20241211100656 Night of Museums 2026 at the Seydoux-Pathé Foundation: A Special Film Screening Scheduled
The Seydoux-Pathé Foundation is taking part in the 22nd Night of Museums with a special after-hours event. Find out what’s in store for you on May 23, 2026, in Paris. Are you ready for an evening immersed in the world of cinema? [Read more]

Grande Galerie de l'évolution- visuels 2024 - image00073Grande Galerie de l'évolution- visuels 2024 - image00073Grande Galerie de l'évolution- visuels 2024 - image00073Grande Galerie de l'évolution- visuels 2024 - image00073 Night of Museums 2026 at the Great Gallery of Evolution, Natural History Museum, Paris
The Natural History Museum of Paris is taking part in the Night of Museums on Saturday, May 23, 2026. It’s a fantastic opportunity to revisit the Grand Gallery of Evolution—completely free! Here’s the full lineup of events for this evening outing. [Read more]

Visuels musée et monument - Maison de la Culture du JaponVisuels musée et monument - Maison de la Culture du JaponVisuels musée et monument - Maison de la Culture du JaponVisuels musée et monument - Maison de la Culture du Japon Night of Museums 2026: The Evening Program at the Japan Cultural Center in Paris
The Japan House of Culture invites you to explore its temporary exhibition for free during Night of Museums. Join us for an evening opening this May 23, 2026, and find out what's on the agenda right here. [Read more]

La maison de Victor Hugo à Paris - nos photosLa maison de Victor Hugo à Paris - nos photosLa maison de Victor Hugo à Paris - nos photosLa maison de Victor Hugo à Paris - nos photos Museum Night 2026 at Victor Hugo’s House in Paris: The Evening’s Program
On the occasion of the 2026 Night of Museums, Victor Hugo’s Paris residence is inviting visitors to a special evening event this Saturday, May 23rd. Mark your calendars—we’re revealing the exciting program lined up for this cultural night in the heart of the city. [Read more]

Le Musée de la Franc-Maçonnerie, l'organisation entre Histoire et mystères Le Musée de la Franc-Maçonnerie, l'organisation entre Histoire et mystères Le Musée de la Franc-Maçonnerie, l'organisation entre Histoire et mystères Le Musée de la Franc-Maçonnerie, l'organisation entre Histoire et mystères Night at the Museums 2026: a special free evening at the Museum of Freemasonry in Paris
The Museum of Freemasonry is taking part in the 22nd edition of the Night of Museums this Saturday, May 23, 2026. It’s a great opportunity to explore the impact of Freemasonry on societal progress! Are you ready for this cultural nocturne? [Read more]

Nuit des Musées 2022 au Musée de la Préfecture de PoliceNuit des Musées 2022 au Musée de la Préfecture de PoliceNuit des Musées 2022 au Musée de la Préfecture de PoliceNuit des Musées 2022 au Musée de la Préfecture de Police Night of Museums 2026: Unravel the Mystery at the Police Prefecture Museum in Paris
On the occasion of the 2026 Night of Museums, the Police Prefecture Museum invites visitors to explore the inner workings of the Paris police force this Saturday, May 23, 2026, in the capital. A unique lineup of fun, family-friendly activities awaits for the event. Here’s a look at the full program. [Read more]

Musée des Egouts de ParisMusée des Egouts de ParisMusée des Egouts de ParisMusée des Egouts de Paris Night of Museums 2026: Enjoy a free evening visit to the Paris Sewers Museum
This spring, the Night of Museums also takes place at the Paris Sewers Museum. Join us on Saturday, May 23, 2026, for a series of self-guided and immersive tours of this unusual Parisian landmark! A nighttime adventure to explore the hidden underground world of the city—interested? [Read more]

Leonora Carrington, l'exposition onirique d'une artiste surréaliste au musée du Luxembourg, photos - fotor 1771255960660Leonora Carrington, l'exposition onirique d'une artiste surréaliste au musée du Luxembourg, photos - fotor 1771255960660Leonora Carrington, l'exposition onirique d'une artiste surréaliste au musée du Luxembourg, photos - fotor 1771255960660Leonora Carrington, l'exposition onirique d'une artiste surréaliste au musée du Luxembourg, photos - fotor 1771255960660 Night of Museums 2026 in Paris: a surreal and artistic evening at the Luxembourg Museum
The Luxembourg Museum is hosting an extraordinary late-night event on Saturday, May 23, 2026, to mark the 22nd edition of Nuit des Musées in Paris and Île-de-France. Find out what special activities and exhibitions await you this year. [Read more]

Le Musée de la Légion d'Honneur à l'Hôtel de Salm Le Musée de la Légion d'Honneur à l'Hôtel de Salm Le Musée de la Légion d'Honneur à l'Hôtel de Salm Le Musée de la Légion d'Honneur à l'Hôtel de Salm Night of Museums 2026 at the Legion of Honor Museum: a special evening in Paris
The Musée de la Légion d'Honneur is taking part in the 2026 Night of Museums this Saturday, May 23rd. Throughout the evening, visitors will have the chance to wander through the museum and explore stunning artworks, costumes, and medals during guided tours—an exceptional nocturnal event not to be missed! [Read more]

Underground : l'exposition ironique de Raymond Pettibon au Musée Picasso - visuel musée PicassoUnderground : l'exposition ironique de Raymond Pettibon au Musée Picasso - visuel musée PicassoUnderground : l'exposition ironique de Raymond Pettibon au Musée Picasso - visuel musée PicassoUnderground : l'exposition ironique de Raymond Pettibon au Musée Picasso - visuel musée Picasso Night of Museums 2026 in Paris: Free Evening of Art at the National Picasso Museum
On the occasion of the 22nd Night of Museums, the Picasso Museum has unveiled its program for Saturday, May 23, 2026. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store for this cultural event that offers plenty of late-night openings across Paris and Île-de-France. [Read more]

In Seine-et-Marne (77)

Visites guidées et animations pour toute la famille au Musée de Préhistoire d'Ile de FranceVisites guidées et animations pour toute la famille au Musée de Préhistoire d'Ile de FranceVisites guidées et animations pour toute la famille au Musée de Préhistoire d'Ile de FranceVisites guidées et animations pour toute la famille au Musée de Préhistoire d'Ile de France Night of Museums 2026: Tightrope Walkers at the Île-de-France Prehistory Museum in Nemours (77)
On the occasion of the Night of Museums on May 23, 2026, the Île-de-France Prehistory Museum in Nemours (77) is unveiling its special lineup! Are you ready to travel back in time during this exciting evening of cultural discovery? [Read more]

Nuit des musées 2025 au Musée de la Gendarmerie Nationale à Melun (77)Nuit des musées 2025 au Musée de la Gendarmerie Nationale à Melun (77)Nuit des musées 2025 au Musée de la Gendarmerie Nationale à Melun (77)Nuit des musées 2025 au Musée de la Gendarmerie Nationale à Melun (77) The Tour de France through the eyes of the National Gendarmerie Museum for the Night of Museums 2026
The National Gendarmerie Museum is inviting the public to join the 22nd Night of Museums, taking place on Saturday, May 23, 2026. As part of the event, admission will be free for everyone, offering a unique opportunity to explore the different roles within the gendarmerie. This year’s program highlights the famous Tour de France, celebrating this iconic sporting event. [Read more]

Nuit des Musées au Musée-Jardin BourdelleNuit des Musées au Musée-Jardin BourdelleNuit des Musées au Musée-Jardin BourdelleNuit des Musées au Musée-Jardin Bourdelle An exceptional evening at the Bourdelle Garden Museum in Égreville (Seine-et-Marne) for Museum Night 2026
The Night of Museums is making a return for a new edition on Saturday, May 23, 2026. In Égreville, the Bourdelle Garden-Museum joins in the celebrations, offering visitors a unique chance to explore a key landmark in the cultural landscape of Seine-et-Marne from a different perspective. Here's what awaits you during this cultural night as part of the 22nd Night of Museums. [Read more]

In the Yvelines (78)

Le musée Rambolitrain - nos photos - image00036Le musée Rambolitrain - nos photos - image00036Le musée Rambolitrain - nos photos - image00036Le musée Rambolitrain - nos photos - image00036 Night of Museums 2026 at the Rambolitrain Museum: What to Expect from this Evening Event in Rambouillet (78)
On the occasion of the 22nd Night of Museums, the Rambolitrain Museum in Rambouillet, Yvelines, will open its collection of toy trains for an evening exhibition on May 23, 2026. Here’s what you can expect from the event. [Read more]

In Essonne (91)

Nuit des Musées 2022 au Musée Palaisien du Hurepoix en Essonne (91)Nuit des Musées 2022 au Musée Palaisien du Hurepoix en Essonne (91)Nuit des Musées 2022 au Musée Palaisien du Hurepoix en Essonne (91)Nuit des Musées 2022 au Musée Palaisien du Hurepoix en Essonne (91) Night of Museums 2026: Free Evening Event at the Palaisien Museum of Hurepoix in Essonne (91)
The Night of Museums is making a return on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Île-de-France. Looking for a great idea to celebrate? Here's what awaits you for this cultural evening at the Palaisien Museum of Hurepoix in Essonne. [Read more]

Nuit des Musées 2023 autour du Cyclop de Jean Tinguely et Nikki de Saint Phalle, en Essonne (91)Nuit des Musées 2023 autour du Cyclop de Jean Tinguely et Nikki de Saint Phalle, en Essonne (91)Nuit des Musées 2023 autour du Cyclop de Jean Tinguely et Nikki de Saint Phalle, en Essonne (91)Nuit des Musées 2023 autour du Cyclop de Jean Tinguely et Nikki de Saint Phalle, en Essonne (91) Night of Museums 2026 in Essonne (91): Nighttime Artistic Performance at Jean Tinguely's Cyclop
The Night of Museums is making its way back into the cultural venues and museums of Paris and Île-de-France this Saturday, May 23, 2026. This special nocturnal event also unveils some surprising discoveries, including Le Cyclop—a monumental sculpture crafted by Jean Tinguely and Nikki de Saint Phalle—hidden away in the woods of Milly-la-Forêt. An unconventional evening awaits during this 22nd edition. [Read more]

In the Hauts-de-Seine (92)

In Seine-Saint-Denis (93)

Rosny-Rail - nos photos - image00004Rosny-Rail - nos photos - image00004Rosny-Rail - nos photos - image00004Rosny-Rail - nos photos - image00004 Night of Museums 2026 at the Rosny-Rail Museum: Enjoy a free family evening at the train museum (93)
Are you familiar with the Rosny-Rail Museum? This Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, head over to Rosny-sous-Bois for the Night of Museums and enjoy free entry to explore the rich history of the railway. Check out the event schedule! [Read more]

In Val-d'Oise (95)

So many choices! Where do you start?

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On May 23, 2026

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