Architecture Days 2026: Weekend family activities at the Plans-Reliefs Museum

Autumn in Paris is not all rest and relaxation: events and meetings follow one another without respite, much to our delight. After the Fête de la Science, the Art Basel fair and the Monument Jeu d'Enfant event, it's now the turn of the Journées nationales de l'Architecture to introduce us to new horizons.

National Architecture Days 2026: the lineup for this edition is unveiled
The National Architecture Days return on October 17 and 18, 2026, in Paris and the Île-de-France region. Over the full weekend, you'll have the chance to visit unusual and historic sites, while taking part in workshops and talks with architects. Here's a preview of what awaits... [Read more]

For its 11th edition, this cultural festival invites you to join on 17 and 18 October 2026 in Paris and in the Île-de-France region. There, dozens of museums, schools, heritage curiosities, and other noteworthy sites will host tours and special activities. The aim: to showcase architecture, its treasures, its crafts, and its importance, through encounters and workshops designed for the general public.

• To be read
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The Museum of Plans-Reliefs, housed in the Hôtel National des Invalides, in the 7th arrondissement, is once again taking part in the Journées de l'Architecture this year. For the occasion, the museum welcomes visitors of all ages for a day of engaging, educational discoveries, with special activities. Reservation is mandatory!

The Architecture Days 2026 program at the Plans-Reliefs Museum:

• Family activity: "The King's Little Architects"

  Do you have eagle eyes? Come spot the towns on the dioramas! After a short introduction to the museum, children will need to locate the military, civilian, and religious buildings hidden (or not!) on the relief maps, all accompanied by a game booklet.

  Activity for ages 7-11. Duration: 1h30

  Booking required.

  Participation requirements: Free | Booking required - https://museedesplansreliefs.fr/journees-nationales-de-larchitecture-2026

  Schedule: Saturday, October 17, 2026 — 11:00 AM ⤏ 12:30 PM

• Guided tour: "Miniature Architecture"

  Explore 17th- to 19th-century architecture and urban planning through the meticulously depicted fortified towns and sites on these stunning relief plans!

  * No booking required. Present yourself directly on the 4th floor of the East Wing of the Hôtel des Invalides, at the museum reception. Duration: 45 minutes

  * Free guided tour with day-of-entry admission (full price: 17 euros, reduced: 12 euros, free for residents of the EU under 26, free for those under 18 regardless of nationality). The ticket also includes entry to the Plans-Reliefs Museum, the Army Museum - Napoleon's Tomb, and the Museum of the Order of the Liberation.

  Participation requirements: Free with admission ticket – no reservation required

  Schedule: Saturday, October 17, 2026 — 2:30 PM to 3:15 PM, 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM, 4:30 PM to 5:15 PM | Sunday, October 18, 2026 — 2:30 PM to 3:15 PM, 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM, 4:30 PM to 5:15 PM

An activity that could well create vocations among children!