World Music Day 2026: a poetic and musical evening at the heart of a spiritual and intimate museum

A musical evening in a museum dedicated to Sufism: the concept invites you to slow down and listen differently. For the Fête de la Musique 2026, the Musée d’Art et de Culture Soufis MTO, in Chatou, offers a poetic escape within easy reach by Navigo pass.

This cultural center officially opened in September 2024. Housed in a 19th-century townhouse, it showcases a collection of objects tied to Sufism, along with contemporary artworks that explore its history, culture, and teachings.

The Museum of Sufi Art and Culture: a spiritual journey in Chatou (78) - our photos
In Chatou, in the Yvelines department, the first museum dedicated to the art and culture of Sufism opens its doors to you to discover this spiritual current of Islam, through a collection of ancient objects and works of art. [Read more]

Sufism is a spiritual tradition closely tied to Islamic culture, centered on self-knowledge, transmission, meditation, and the bond with the divine. The museum aims to bring this culture to life through the arts, artifacts, and exhibitions, as well as workshops, lectures, and public events.

The venue also carries a heritage dimension. Its building, its garden and its proximity to the Seine anchor it in Chatou’s cultural landscape, a town already marked by the artistic history of the banks of the Seine. For the Fête de la Musique 2026, this discreet museum thus becomes a poignant setting for an evening of listening, poetry and discovery.

The 2026 Fête de la Musique program at the MTO Sufi Art and Culture Museum

Sufi Music and Sama
Sunday, June 21 at 5:00 PM

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Discover the Sufi practice of samā, guided by the melodies of Sufi music. Samā is the Sufi art of “musical listening”: a state in which the mystic hears, sees, and feels the Call of the Divine, entering a realm of pure joy (vajd) that saturates the whole being.

In samā, with each turn, a lesson in self-knowledge is taught and lived. Every posture carries a sacred meaning, embodying the divine names and the Quranic letters. This event, set to the rhythms of Sufi music, includes an introduction to samā, its movements, and their significance.

Please note that this event is designed as an immersive and contemplative experience. To respect the atmosphere and the artists, we ask all participants to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.

If you’re running late, you may be asked to wait for the next intermission in the performance (for example, between two pieces) before entering the space. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in maintaining a peaceful environment for all participants.

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• La conférence des oiseaux en musique
  dimanche 21 juin 2026 - 15:00 ⤏ 16:00
  

  Dans le cadre de notre programmation de la Fête de la Musique, le MACS MTO vous invite à un concert unique en collaboration avec la classe de piano d’Athéna Bando, professeure au Conservatoire de Chatou.

  Une exploration en musique de l'œuvre poétique soufie “La Conférence des oiseaux” par Farid Al-din Attar. Dans un dialogue sensible entre musique, image et poésie, les jeunes pianistes interprètent des morceaux choisis en résonance avec le récit. Un parcours poétique où sons, regards et imagination se rencontrent autour de ce grand récit initiatique.

  Une expérience à la fois auditive et visuelle.

  
  
  

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