JEMA 2026 in Paris: Opéra Comique Highlights Artisanal Crafts of the Performing Arts

In springtime, in France and a number of other European countries, a very special event awaits us... It's the Journées Européennes des Métiers d'Art (J EMA): a week of discoveries, workshops, visits, conferences and demonstrations, to better understand and appreciate the crafts.

But what exactly are "métiers d'art"? According to the French Ministry of Culture, they are " handcrafted manual trades. They mobilize traditional skills of high technicality, often exceptional. " There are officially 281 of them. Fashion, architecture, performing arts, interior design, luxury goods, heritage... These special trades can be found in a wide range of sectors!

The JEMA offer a perfect opportunity to celebrate French craftsmanship and artisans. For this year’s 20th edition, hundreds of venues across the country will open their doors from April 7 to 12, 2026. In total, around 7,000 events will be organized for the public under the theme "Hearts at Work."

• To be read
• This week's top deals in Paris and Île-de-France, April 13–18, 2026
• Free museums and monuments in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: cultural tips

Thousands of events across France, more than 500 in Île-de-France alone... That’s quite a lineup! While there are many options to choose from, some commitments are simply unmissable. During the 20th edition of the European Heritage Days (JEMA), one event stands out: exclusive guided tours of the Opéra Comique, scheduled from April 9 to 11, 2026.

A temple to art and music, the Opéra Comique invites us to go backstage and discover the artistic teams who make each show an enchantment. Costume designers, wig-makers, make-up artists and prop-makers give us a glimpse of their know-how, their tasks and their achievements, by opening the doors of their workshops to us. We discover the people and work behind the creation of a show. A rare and original visit for the uninitiated!

The day's program at the Opéra Comique:

• Discover the world of live performance professions at the Opéra-Comique!
  Join a 90-minute guided tour and get an inside look at the costume, makeup, and wig teams, as well as the lighting crew. The artistic teams of the Opéra-Comique will open the doors of the theatre just for you! Inside the elegant Foyer, you'll have the opportunity to meet and chat with artisans whose work brings productions to life, and learn about the making of an opera.
  Free of charge, but reservation is required and places are limited. Please reserve your spot by email before March 20 at enseignement@opera-comique.com and champsocial@opera-comique.com.
  Suitable for ages 12 and up
  Duration: 1.5 hours
  
  

Who knows: maybe this visit will help you discover a new passion or vocation? Reserve your place now: an opportunity like this is not to be missed!