What to visit in Paris’s 5th arrondissement ? With its wealth of treasures, this district that carries us on the trail of Lutèce can easily shuttle us back to antiquity. Here, the ages mingle. The 5th arrondissement hosts part of the Quartier Latin, a name that suits it well and unveils a trove of cultural gems for history enthusiasts— notably the Musée de Cluny, dedicated to the Middle Ages— as well as for contemporary art lovers, thanks to the numerous galleries that await here.
There’s plenty to see and do here, and it can be easy to lose track. To help you make the most of the cultural tours awaiting you in the 5th arrondissement of the capital, we’ve put together a guide dedicated to the monuments and unmissable museums of the neighborhood, as well as the exhibitions on the program. No more missing out on a great discovery!
And, on top of that, if you’re used to exploring the 5th arrondissement far and wide, this page could prove to be a valuable companion on your outings: this guide is updated as new announcements come in and as we make discoveries, so you can check it regularly to stay informed about the new exhibitions waiting for you here! Et pour plus d'idées de sorties dans le quartier, c'est par ici.
Nuit des Musées 2026 at the Musée de Cluny: the lineup for the nocturnal events in the heart of the Middle Ages in Paris
The Cluny Museum will open its doors to the public for free this Saturday, May 23, 2026, on the occasion of the 22nd Night of Museums edition. The program features free, music-filled tours through the heart of this Parisian museum devoted to the Middle Ages. Read on for the evening schedule. [Read more]
Museum Night 2026: An artistic evening at the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris.
On the 22nd edition of the Night of Museums, the Irish Cultural Centre welcomes you to a cultural evening this Saturday, May 23, 2026. Come discover this institution, which puts Ireland and its culture in the spotlight, for this special night! [Read more]
Night of Museums 2026: a late-night opening at the Army Health Service Museum in Val-de-Grâce, Paris
The Night of Museums returns this Saturday, May 23, 2026, across Paris and Île-de-France for another edition of exceptional late openings. Over in Val-de-Grâce, the Museum of the Army Health Service unveils its program for this 22nd edition. [Read more]
Nuit des Musées 2025 at the Musée Curie in Paris: free evening tours around Marie Curie
For the new Nuit des Musées, the Musée Curie invites you to learn more about Marie Curie and her discoveries, with a range of free tours and events on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Discover the program for this 21st edition! [Read more]
Free exhibition and escape game offered during the 2026 Night of Museums at Pierre and Marie Curie Campus in Paris
This Saturday, May 23, 2026, during the 22nd Night of Museums, the Pierre and Marie Curie campus of Sorbonne University opens its doors to the public for free, inviting all to explore its impressive collections. [Read more]
Night of Museums 2026: Free Evening Event at the Grande Galerie of Evolution, Museum
The Natural History Museum of Paris will be taking part in the Night of Museums on Saturday, May 23, 2026. This is the perfect opportunity to revisit the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution — and best of all, admission is free! Below is the detailed lineup for this unmissable evening event. [Read more]
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]
Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA): program, exhibitions, events, everything you need to know about this cultural center
The Institut du Monde Arabe is an astonishing place where Arab culture reveals itself to us through astonishing exhibitions and an eclectic program of events for all ages and all audiences! [Read more]
Discover the treasures of the Paris Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle - program
The Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris with its Jardin des Plantes is an emblematic institution of the capital, founded in 1793. Accessible all year round, this museum offers an insight into the world's rich natural heritage. From plants and magnets to fossils and experiments, immerse yourself in the fascinating world of nature. [Read more]
The Museum of Vintage Lighting: a Hidden Treasure Concealed Within a Boutique-Workshop in Paris
In the heart of the Latin Quarter lies a charming little free museum — a hidden gem that allows visitors to step back in time. Tucked away inside a boutique-workshop, the Vintage Lighting Museum offers delightful discoveries and fascinating stories waiting to be uncovered! [Read more]
The Musée de Cluny, Paris' museum of the Middle Ages, its program and age-old treasures
Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, the Musée de Cluny is housed in the 13th-century Hôtel des Abbés de Cluny, and is home to works of art even older than that! Come and visit this museum dedicated to the Middle Ages in Paris. [Read more]
The Collège des Bernardins: one of the oldest medieval buildings in Paris to visit free of charge
Let's discover the Collège des Bernardins - one of the oldest medieval buildings in Paris. Be sure to visit this 13th-century gem, located in the heart of the Latin Quarter and open to the public free of charge. Open all year round, this cultural space offers a variety of exhibitions and events, and even a café-restaurant. [Read more]
The Pantheon in Paris: prices, opening hours, tour and history of this emblematic monument
The Paris Pantheon, an emblematic monument in the heart of the capital, reveals the history of France's great personalities. Originally a church dedicated to Sainte Geneviève, the Panthéon is open all year round, giving you the chance to discover its rich heritage and architectural secrets. [Read more]
La Chapelle de La Sorbonne: the little-known architectural jewel of Parisian universities
Built in the 17th century in the Latin Quarter, the Sorbonne chapel embodies the elegance of French classicism, houses the tomb of Richelieu, and bears witness to the intellectual and architectural prestige of the ancient University of Paris. Inaccessible for over 25 years, it is due to reopen to the public in a few years' time. [Read more]
The Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, in the heart of the Latin Quarter
The Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève is a landmark in the Latin Quarter. Discover its history! [Read more]
Les Arènes de Lutèce, a Gallo-Roman amphitheatre in the heart of Paris
Did you know about the Arènes de Lutèce? This well-preserved Gallo-Roman amphitheatre, located in the heart of the Arènes de Lutèce square in Paris, is a true symbol of Parisian art de vivre! [Read more]
The Grande Galerie de l'Evolution, the immense museum dedicated to animals from all over the world, in Paris
If you've ever taken a stroll through the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, you'll no doubt have spotted the grand old buildings that stand along the way: this is the Museum of Natural History, of which the Grande Galerie de l'Evolution is a part. [Read more]
The Curie Museum: In the footsteps of Marie Curie and her family
At the heart of the Curie campus, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris near the Panthéon, lies the Musée Curie. Open from Wednesday to Saturday, this free place of memory and knowledge offers an insight into the history of radioactivity and its medical applications. [Read more]
The Musée de la Sculpture en plein air: a free art walk in the heart of Paris
Have you heard of the Musée de la Sculpture en plein air? Located in the Square Tino Rossi in the 5th arrondissement, this small museum offers a free cultural stroll along the banks of the Seine, in a magnificent bucolic setting. [Read more]
Maison Poincaré: we visited the very first mathematics museum in Paris
The Maison Poincaré, nestled in the heart of Paris's Latin Quarter, invites you to discover the capital's very first mathematics museum from September 30, 2023. Inspired by the world's greatest science museums, this unique venue promises to illuminate the history, influence and wonders of mathematics for all the curious! We tell you all about it! [Read more]
The Musée de la Préfecture de Police, immerse yourself in history and police investigations
The Musée de la Préfecture de Police, nestled in the heart of the 5th arrondissement, invites visitors on a fascinating exploration of the history of the Paris police force from the 17th century to the present day. Available all year round, this historic treasure trove on rue de la Montagne Sainte-Geneviève unveils over 2,000 authentic and captivating works of art. [Read more]
The Sorbonne Library, in the 5th arrondissement
If you're still a student, then you have the chance to visit the Bibliothèque de la Sorbonne, in the 5th arrondissement. A wonderful place to study in peace and quiet. [Read more]
Prehistory, between utopia and reality: a free Stone Age exhibition at the Collège de France
Starting April 29, 2026, the Collège de France unveils the links between scholarly rigor and the collective imagination in a free exhibition. From early Paleolithic masterpieces to pop culture icons, this groundbreaking journey explores how humanity has continually reinvented its roots to better understand its present. [Read more]
Arabian horse celebration: Marine Oussedik’s works on display at the Grand Mosque of Paris
From April 29 to May 29, 2026, the Grand Mosque of Paris is spotlighting the works of Marine Oussedik in an unprecedented exhibition entitled "Celebration of the Arabian Horse." [Read more]
Center culturel irlandais: the institution that promotes Irish culture in Paris
Exhibitions, concerts, screenings, debates... Throughout the year, the Centre culturel irlandais opens its doors to all for a cultural immersion on the Emerald Isle. Let's take a closer look at this cultural institution, housed since 2002 in the Collège des Irlandais building in the heart of Paris's Latin Quarter. [Read more]
Byblos, a millennia-old Lebanese city: the historical exhibition opens at the Arab World Institute
The Arab World Institute takes us on a journey to discover the world's first international maritime port, dating back nearly 9,000 years. The exhibition, "Byblos, a Millennium-Old City of Lebanon," is open from March 24 to August 23, 2026. [Read more]
The Belle Époque under Prefect Lépine? : Free Exhibition at the Police Prefecture Museum
Until July 6, 2026, the Police Headquarters Museum is shedding light on Louis Lépine, an essential figure in Paris at the turn of the 20th century. Featuring an exclusive collection of 150 vintage postcards, this free exhibition delves into the media portrayal of the ever-present prefect—ranging from heroic scenes to satirical caricatures. [Read more]
Unicorns! : The Cluny Museum in Paris showcases an exhibition delving into the myth of the legendary creature
In Paris, the Musée de Cluny – National Museum of the Middle Ages – is showcasing the exhibition Unicorn!, dedicated to the legendary creature that has captivated the medieval imagination and lore. Running from March 10 to July 12, 2026, this major exhibition brings together nearly a hundred pieces from around the world to explore the symbolism, legends, and centuries-old fascination with the unicorn—spanning medieval art, mythology, and spirituality. [Read more]
Captives: Mediterranean Slavery Uncovered at the Arab World Institute
The Arab World Institute in Paris is hosting an exhibition dedicated to the history of slavery between Christians and Muslims across the Mediterranean from the 17th century to 1830. Titled "Captives: Arts and Slavery in the Modern Mediterranean", the exhibit runs from March 31, 2026, to July 19, 2026. Through artworks, rare artifacts, and unpublished documents, it offers a historical perspective on those enslaved and forced into labor in the ports of Europe and North Africa. [Read more]
The Musée du Service de Santé des Armées: a little-known site on the history of military medicine
The little-known Musée du Service de Santé des Armées retraces four centuries of military medical history in the heart of the former Val-de-Grâce abbey, featuring medical instruments, casts and scientific developments. [Read more]
Grande Galerie de l'Evolution: discover the children's workshops, a storytelling tour every Saturday
Every Saturday, the Grande Galerie de l'Evolution offers a weekly event for families with children. Welcome to the little ones' Saturdays! [Read more]
The Institut Finlandais in Paris: an open window on Finnish culture and society
Located in the heart of Paris's Latin Quarter, the Institut Finlandais is a genuine invitation to travel and discover the beautiful and discreet Nordic country of Finland. Throughout the year, this multi-disciplinary cultural center offers a rich and varied program combining gastronomy, design and visual arts! [Read more]
The Durfort Mammoth at the Paris Natural History Museum, restored!
(Re)discover at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, the newly restored "Mammouth de Durfort", an icon of paleontology on display since 1898. [Read more]
