Night of Museums 2026 in Paris: your top 10 must-see deals and highlights this year

Published by La Rédac · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on March 3, 2026 at 08:02 p.m.
Are you on the hunt for the must-see highlights for the Museum Night in Paris and the Île-de-France region on Saturday, May 23, 2026? Free museums, special events — follow our guide to uncover the top 10 must-know tips for this unforgettable evening. From renowned institutions to quirky hidden gems, there's plenty to ensure a memorable cultural night out.

It's the highly anticipated annual event for art and culture lovers: the Night of Museums. Celebrating its 22nd edition, it returns this year! Mark your calendars for Saturday May 23, 2026, for an extraordinary evening when museums and landmarks across Paris and Île-de-France open their doors — and often free of charge!

For this brand-new edition, the Nuit of Museums offers an even richer and more diverse lineup: hundreds of museums, castles, and historical sites are opening their doors. On Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, alongside free exhibitions, thousands of activities are happening across participating venues: concerts, guided tours, games, film screenings, performances, and more...

It's hard to find your way through all the choices. How do you find the coolest events, the most beautiful venues, all without spending a penny? Don't worry, you've come to the right place: to help you, we've put together a selection of the top 10 must-do events for this Nuit des Musées in Paris and the Ile-de-France region.

The Top 10 Must-Do Experiences for Night of Museums 2026:

Visuel Paris Louvre nuitVisuel Paris Louvre nuitVisuel Paris Louvre nuitVisuel Paris Louvre nuit Quirky sketches at the Louvre Museum for an exceptional nocturnal edition of the Night of Museums!
The Louvre Museum is taking part in Nuit des Musées 2026 this Saturday, May 23, 2026, and will host a free, special after-hours opening at this iconic Parisian landmark. But be warned: you must register in advance to participate! So, ready for the 22nd edition? [Read more]

Visuels musée et monument musée quai branlyVisuels musée et monument musée quai branlyVisuels musée et monument musée quai branlyVisuels musée et monument musée quai branly Night of Museums 2026 at the Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Museum: a night-long journey through tales
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. [Read more]

Bourse de Commerce - Collection PinaultBourse de Commerce - Collection PinaultBourse de Commerce - Collection PinaultBourse de Commerce - Collection Pinault An artistic performance beneath the Bourse de Commerce’s domed cupola for Paris’ 2026 Night of Museums.
Great news for contemporary art lovers, as the Bourse de Commerce announces its latest involvement in the Night of Museums. See you on Saturday, May 23, 2026 to (re)discover this striking Parisian art foundation through a special program. [Read more]

Musée d'Orsay, collection permanenteMusée d'Orsay, collection permanenteMusée d'Orsay, collection permanenteMusée d'Orsay, collection permanente A free late-night at the Musée d’Orsay: the can't-miss evening of Museums Night 2026
The Musée d'Orsay is taking part in the 22nd edition of the Night of Museums this Saturday, May 23, 2026, with a free, playful after-hours tour centered on the museum's collections. A chance to enjoy an artistic evening at this must-attend cultural event. [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: Highlights of the Evening Program at the Luxembourg Museum
The Luxembourg Museum invites visitors to a special late-night opening on Saturday, May 23, 2026, marking the 22nd edition of Museum Night in Paris and Île-de-France. Explore the exciting lineup of events and activities planned for this year. [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 the Museums 2026 in Paris: Free Cultural Evening at the National Picasso Museum
On the occasion of the 22nd Night of Museums in Paris, the Picasso Museum reveals its schedule for Saturday, May 23, 2026. Here's what awaits visitors during this cultural event, which offers a series of late-night openings across Paris and Île-de-France. [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: Crime and Detective Adventure at the Police Prefecture Museum in Paris
On the occasion of the 2026 Night of Museums, the Police Prefecture Museum is opening its doors to give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at Parisian law enforcement this Saturday, May 23, 2026. A unique lineup of quirky and family-friendly activities awaits for the event. Read on for all the details of this engaging, hands-on program. [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: Experience the Evening Program at the Japanese Cultural Center in Paris
The Japan Culture House invites you to explore its temporary exhibition for free during Museums Night. Join us for an evening opening on May 23, 2026 — here’s what you won’t want to miss. [Read more]

Nuit des Musées 2022 au Musée Paul Belmondo (92)Nuit des Musées 2022 au Musée Paul Belmondo (92)Nuit des Musées 2022 au Musée Paul Belmondo (92)Nuit des Musées 2022 au Musée Paul Belmondo (92) In Boulogne, the Paul Belmondo Museum comes alive with music for Museum Night 2026.
For the 2026 Night of Museums, the Paul Belmondo Museum, housed in Boulogne-Billancourt in the Hauts-de-Seine department (92), invites visitors to discover its collections for free during a one-night, exceptional late-night opening on Saturday, May 23, 2026. [Read more]

Maison Elsa Triolet-Aragon - IMG 2057Maison Elsa Triolet-Aragon - IMG 2057Maison Elsa Triolet-Aragon - IMG 2057Maison Elsa Triolet-Aragon - IMG 2057 Night of Museums 2026: Evening Guided Tours at the Elsa Triolet-Aragon House in the Yvelines (78)
The Night of Museums 2026 will also be taking place at the Elsa Triolet-Aragon House in Saint-Arnoult-en-Yvelines (78)! On Saturday, May 23, 2026, come explore this stunning historic site along with its sculpture garden, all illuminated in the evening. [Read more]

So, what’s on the agenda for the 2026 Night of Museums in Paris and the surrounding areas?

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On May 23, 2026

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

    Prices
    Free

    Official website
    nuitdesmusees.culture.gouv.fr

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