If the month of May is so loved by the French, it’s mainly because it’s punctuated by many public holidays! It’s also the time when days grow longer and temperatures rise: in short, the perfect mix for a stroll. And indeed, a public holiday is on the horizon: this Friday, May 8, 2026, the day of the commemoration of VE Day, we’ll enjoy an extra day off.
You want to use this day to visit a castle, a monument or an exhibition, and you're right to do so. But are there any cultural venues open on a public holiday in France?
Good news: a large number of museums and monuments in the region are open this Friday, May 8, 2026! In fact, almost every art and culture venue is waiting for you on this public holiday. Rather than listing the hundred or so sites available that day, we’ve chosen to highlight those that are closed, and thus should be avoided. All the others are throwing their doors wide open, and often offering wonderful exhibitions.
Center Pompidou: prices, opening hours, access... All you need to know about the Musée d'Art Moderne
The Centre Pompidou, a museum of modern and contemporary art in the heart of Paris, awaits you every day (except Tuesdays) for a plunge into art in all its forms. Explore its history and exhibitions, and immerse yourself in the artistic universe of one of the world's most visited museums! [Read more]
The Nissim de Camondo Museum is currently closed for renovations, with plans to reopen in early 2027.
The Nissim de Camondo Museum is getting a makeover! From August 4, 2024, until early 2027, the Parisian museum will be closed for renovations. [Read more]
Musée Yves Saint Laurent: the temple of fashion closed for renovation until autumn 2027
Housed in the designer's former couture house, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum is a true sanctuary dedicated to the couturier and his works. A must-see fashion temple for all haute couture aficionados. The museum is closed for renovation until 2027. [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]
The Arc de Triomphe, the emblematic monument at the top of the Champs-Élysées
The Arc de Triomphe, the emblematic monument on the Champs-Élysées that sits at the center of the Place de l'Étoile, is a must-see on your visit to Paris! [Read more]
All we can do now is keep our fingers crossed that the weather will be on our side! To help you choose among all these options, have a look at the museum programming for this month of May. Want more ideas for a day-off outing? Check out our guide to May 8, 2026 activities in Paris!
Dates and Opening Time
On May 8, 2026
