Attention : due to the red heatwave alert, some events of the Fête de la musique 2026 may be canceled, postponed or altered. Please check the information before you head out.
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.
Sufi Music and Sama
Sunday, June 21 at 5:00 PM
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.
The Conference of the Birds, Set to Music
As part of our Fête de la Musique programming, MACS MTO invites you to a unique concert in collaboration with Athéna Bando’s piano class, a professor at the Conservatoire de Chatou.
A musical exploration of the Sufi poetic work The Conference of the Birds by Farid al-Din Attar. In a delicate dialogue between music, imagery, and poetry, the young pianists perform pieces chosen to resonate with the narrative. A poetic journey where sound, gaze, and imagination meet around this grand initiatory tale.
An experience that is both auditory and visual.
Conditions of participation: Availability is limited, so booking is highly recommended. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the event starts. - Reservation mandatory - https://www.macsmto.fr/activites/la-conference-des-oiseaux-en-musique/
Schedule: Sunday, June 21, 2026 — 3:00 PM ⤏ 4:00 PM
Sufi Music and Sama’ by the MTO Zendeh Delan Ensemble®
Explore the Sufi practice of samā, guided by the melodies of Sufi music.
Samā is the Sufi practice of "musical listening": a state in which the devotee hears, sees and feels the call of the Divine, entering a pure joy (vajd) that permeates their entire being.
In samā, with each turn, the lesson in self-knowledge is taught and lived. Each posture carries sacred meaning, embodying the divine names and the Qur’anic letters.
This event, presented to the rhythm of Sufi music, includes an introduction to samā, its movements and its meanings.
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.
In case of delay, you may be asked to wait until the next pause in the performance (for example, between two pieces of music) before entering the space. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation in maintaining a peaceful environment for all participants.
Participation requirements: Limited seating. Book at macsmto.fr – Reservation required – https://www.macsmto.fr/activites/music-sama%ca%bf-zendeh-delan/
Schedule: Sunday, June 21, 2026 — 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
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Dates and Opening Time
On June 21, 2026
Location
Museum of Sufi Art and Culture MTO
6 Avenue des Tilleuls
78400 Chatou
Route planner
Prices
€22
Official website
www.macsmto.fr
The Museum of Sufi Art and Culture: a spiritual journey in Chatou (78) - our photos
