May is definitely our favorite month: it's the third bank holiday we've had this month! Many lucky people will be able to spend less time at the office, and more time in museums. This Thursday, May 9, 2024, is Ascension Day. In other words, it's a public holiday! Just after the May 8 commemorations, some people even have a third day off: if you take the day off on Friday, you'll enjoy a long weekend, ideal for fun and relaxation.
With all these extra days off, there's plenty of time to get out and discover all the events on offer. And when you see the program of museums in Paris and theIle-de-France region, you already know how you're going to spend your free time this Ascension weekend!
Provided, of course, that the museums are open on the holiday. The good news is that almost all art and culture venues will remain open to the public on May 9, 2024. The question is, where can't we go? To find out, let's take a look at the list of cultural venues closing on Ascension Day.
Museums and monuments closed on Ascension Thursday, May 9, 2024:
The little-known Musée Jacquemart-André and its fine art collection in Paris
The Musée Jacquemart-André is a beautiful, little-known museum in Paris. It holds many treasures, including Rembrandt's Pilgrims to Emmaus, Sandro Botticelli's Virgin and Child and Donatello's Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, all collected by Nélie Jacquemart and her husband Edouard André in the 19th century. [Read more]
La Monnaie de Paris: an unusual cultural and historical institution in Paris
Do you know how coins are made in France? Come and find out by visiting the Monnaie de Paris, the institution that teaches us more about the history of silver and the minting of medals, in a place steeped in history. [Read more]
The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature in Paris: an exploration of the human-animal relationship
Nestled in the Marais district of Paris, the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature offers a unique insight into hunting, nature and the complex relationship between man and animal. This unusual museum invites visitors to discover an exceptional collection, while encouraging reflection on our relationship with flora and fauna. [Read more]
The Musée de la Carte à jouer, a unique collection dedicated to our card games, in Issy (92).
Just south of Paris, in Issy-des-Moulineaux (92), you'll find a museum that's unique in France: the Musée de la Carte à jouer, a cultural venue devoted entirely to card games, from the first models to appear in the 15th century, right up to the present day. [Read more]
Good news then: this Thursday, and over the long weekend, almost all museums and monuments are open! So, where are we going and what are we doing? It's up to you to decide: a multitude ofexhibitions and outings are on offer. Need help choosing? Take a look at our selection.
Exhibitions of the moment :
May 2024 in Paris: the best exhibitions to see in the capital and the Paris region
What's there to see in May 2024 in Paris and the Île-de-France region? The program of new exhibitions is on its way, and promises some great discoveries! [Read more]
The Sacred Heritage Festival: traditional craftsmanship and artistic modernity unite for an inner odyssey
Sponsored - The Festival Héritage Sacré presents its first edition: a day dedicated to arts and crafts, between tradition and modernity. To be discovered on Saturday May 11, 2024 at La Celle-Saint-Cloud. [Read more]
Brancusi at the Centre Pompidou: the exhibition about the father of contemporary sculpture, our photos
He left his mark on art history with his original and fascinating sculptures. From March 27 to July 1, 2024, the Centre Pompidou is dedicating a rich and beautiful exhibition to the artist Constantin Brancusi. It's an opportunity to (re)discover the diversity of his work, with his sculptures of course, but also his photographs, drawings and films. [Read more]
Arabofuturs: an exhibition of science fiction and predictions at the Institut du Monde Arabe - photos
Artists from the Arab world imagine the worlds of tomorrow, in an exhibition between science fiction and dreams. Discover Arabofuturs at the Institut du Monde Arabe from April 23 to October 27, 2024. [Read more]
The Dior Gallery: a sublime exhibition at the couture house's historic address
The Galerie Dior is the must-see spot for fashion lovers in Paris! Located in the historic mansion at 30 Montaigne, it invites visitors to plunge into the heart of the fabulous universe of the House of Christian Dior. Between heritage(s) and reinvention, discover the new exhibition route of this cultural showcase, through a succession of immersive scenographies brought together in this veritable little museum. [Read more]
Claude Monet : where to see the works of the famous impressionist painter in Paris ?
He's undoubtedly one of France's best-loved painters: Claude Monet left us many magnificent canvases, some of which can be seen in Paris museums. [Read more]
LV Dream by Louis Vuitton: free exhibition, boutique, café and chocolate shop
The famous Maison Louis Vuitton opens LV DREAM, a free exhibition and gift store that also features a café and a chocolate shop in collaboration with Chef Pâtissier Maxime Frédéric of Cheval Blanc Paris. While the exhibition is by reservation only, the boutique and café are open to the public. [Read more]
Metal at the Philharmonie de Paris: the major exhibition dedicated to extreme music, our photos
Extreme music comes to the Philharmonie de Paris! The famous hall nestled in the 19th arrondissement of Paris is hosting the "Metal" exhibition from April 5 to September 29, 2024. It's an opportunity to find out more about this musical genre, which continues to attract a huge following. We tell you all about it! [Read more]
Center Pompidou: prices, opening hours, access... All you need to know about the Musée d'Art Moderne
The Centre Pompidou, a jewel of modern and contemporary art in the heart of Paris, awaits you every day (except Tuesdays) for an unprecedented immersion in art in all its forms. Explore its fascinating history, its must-see exhibitions, and immerse yourself in the artistic universe of one of the world's most visited museums! [Read more]
Fashion in motion, part two: the exhibition that blends sport and fashion at the Palais Galliera
The Palais Galliera examines the relationship between fashion and sport in a chronological exhibition to be discovered from June 16, 2023 to September 7, 2025. [Read more]
The Petit Palais in Paris and its hidden treasures, the free museum, opening hours and exhibitions
The Petit Palais, home to the Musées des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris, is a true architectural masterpiece. Designed by Charles Girault for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, this museum is a treasure trove. And since admission is free, you'd be wrong not to take advantage of it. [Read more]
Olympism, a modern invention: the exhibition between art and sport at the Musée du Louvre, our photos
The Musée du Louvre is gearing up for the Olympic Games, with a brand-new, sporting exhibition. From April 24 to September 16, 2024, discover "Olympism, a modern invention, an ancient heritage". [Read more]
Musée d'Orsay: booking, prices, free admission, tips and current exhibitions
Would you like to visit the Musée d'Orsay, one of Europe's most visited museums and home to the world's largest collection of Impressionist paintings? We'll be happy to give you all the tips and tricks you need to know about the museum, the works of art to discover, the current exhibitions, and the prices and free admission options available, so you can make the most of your visit in the best possible conditions. [Read more]
An evening with the Impressionists: we tried out the virtual reality experience at the Musée d'Orsay
Un soir avec les impressionnistes - Paris 1874 is the virtual reality experience offered by the Musée d'Orsay from March 26 to August 11, 2024, to mark the 150th anniversary of the first Impressionist exhibition. Relive this very first exhibition in Nadar's studio, meet legendary artists such as Monet and Renoir, and immerse yourself in 19th-century Paris. We've tried it, we'll tell you! [Read more]
Andres Serrano - Portraits of America: the photo exhibition unveiled at the Musée Maillol - promo
The Musée Maillol in Paris is devoting a groundbreaking exhibition to photographer Andres Serrano from April 27 to October 20, 2024, for a look at America as you've never seen it before! Tickets open on April 17! [Read more]
Musée du Louvre: discover the artistic and tourist heart of the capital
The Musée du Louvre, one of the capital's must-see museums, promotes French and European culture through its many masterpieces on display, as evidenced by the 8 million visitors a year who come to contemplate the smile of the Mona Lisa or the fervor of Liberty Guiding the People. A place steeped in history, where art has been flourishing for two centuries already, to discover if you're staying in Paris! [Read more]
Paris 1874, inventing Impressionism: our photos from the Musée d'Orsay's major exhibition
In 1874, the first Impressionist exhibition was held in Paris. The Musée d'Orsay looks back at this innovative art and its great masters, in a new exhibition on view from March 26 to July 14, 2024. We went along for the ride... [Read more]
Monuments to see:
Château de Fontainebleau, the second home of the Kings of France
The Château de Fontainebleau invites you to discover its spaces and its history. Come and admire this superb château, with its medieval and classical styles, and its ornate gardens covering more than 130 hectares. [Read more]
A visit to the Château de Versailles and its program
The Château de Versailles, its gardens and grounds, are a world heritage site. The official residence of the kings of France, the Château de Versailles holds the record as the largest château in the world, and of course the most visited in France. [Read more]
The Castle of Monte Cristo, the hidden and unusual home of Alexandre Dumas
Discover the Castle of Monte Cristo, the residence imagined by the writer Alexandre Dumas. In an English garden in the heart of the Yvelines, near Saint-Germain-en-Laye, you can see a castle with an exuberant style from the 19th century and its small Yew Castle. We take you to discover this hidden heritage, classified as a historical monument. [Read more]
The Château de Malmaison, from residence to museum
The Château de Malmaison, located in Rueil-Malmaison in the Hauts-de-Seine region of France, is now home to the Napoleonic National Museum. During the French Revolution, Josephine Bonaparte acquired the property and it became the Palais Impérial de Malmaison, transforming it into the seat of government for a time. [Read more]
Domaine du Château de Dampierre en Yvelines open and free to under-18s
Domaine du Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines is now open all year round. There will be no more winter closures. A host of new features await you, including some great events, the opening of guided tours of the château and free admission for under-18s. [Read more]
Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a Medieval Treasure in Ile-de-France
Available all year round, the Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a medieval jewel in the Ile-de-France region, invites you to immerse yourself in history. [Read more]
The Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise, the Impressionist treasure and its program
Discover the Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise and its sublime English gardens. Throughout the year, exhibitions and events focusing on Impressionism await you. [Read more]
Discover the Château d'Écouen, a Renaissance jewel and national museum
Explore the Château d'Écouen, home to the National Renaissance Museum, located 20 km from Paris. Immerse yourself in the history of this exceptional site and admire its unique collections. [Read more]
Château de Vincennes: a royal fortress in Paris
Along with the Louvre, the Château de Vincennes is one of the most important castles in French history. It is also one of the largest and best-preserved fortified castles in Europe... [Read more]
The Château de Champs-sur-Marne, a magnificent Renaissance-style building with an 85-hectare garden
In the Seine-et-Marne département, the Château de Champs-sur-Marne is less well known than Vaux-le-Vicomte or Fontainebleau. A testament to its rich history, Champs-sur-Marne is best known for its vast 85-hectare wooded park, which is open all year round! [Read more]
There's plenty to keep you busy this Ascension Day. So, where do we start?
