JEMA 2026: Costume and Fan Arts Take Center Stage at the Cognacq-Jay Museum

Every spring, a major cultural event opens the doors of numerous museums, monuments and artists' studios. The Journées Européennes des Métiers d'Art (European Crafts Days ) shine the spotlight on the professionals and craftsmen who contribute to the preservation and renown of France's heritage.

Artistic professions cover a wide range of crafts: jewelers, watchmakers, masters of wood or stained glass, gardeners, heritage restorers, fashion designers, architects... A host of fascinating professions are on show at this annual event for the general public.

During JEMA, these artisans come to meet the curious, and demonstrate their talents through workshops, tours, installations...

The Cognacq-Jay Museum will take part in the European Days of Crafts from April 9 to 12, 2026. Located in the Marais district of Paris, the museum is offering a special lineup of events tied to its current temporary exhibition. Please note that registration is required—visit the museum's website for more details.

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The JEMA 2026 Program at the Cognacq-Jay Museum:

As part of the Exceptional Encounters, the Cognacq-Jay Museum will spotlight two centuries-old crafts. Led by a master artisan and a museum lecturer, these sessions will offer a fresh perspective on the collection's masterpieces, revealing the techniques, tools, and secrets behind their creation. The approach will create a fascinating dialogue between 18th-century works and their modern-day successors.

• Guided Tour – Restoration of Fans
  Thursday, April 9 – 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.
  With Yolaine Voltz, specialist in restoring antique fans and globes, and Sylvia Gagin, museum guide and lecturer.
  Yolaine Voltz is an expert in conserving and restoring delicate historic fans and globes, combining materials such as paper, leather, ivory, nacre, and tortoiseshell. Her work involves stabilizing deterioration, restoring frames, treating painted surfaces, and recreating damaged decoration through skillful retouching that remains invisible. She also works on vintage terrestrial and celestial globes.
• Guided Tour – The Art of Costume
  Sunday, April 12 – 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.
  With Fanny Wilk, costume designer and expert in historical dress, and Sylvia Gagin.
  Fanny Wilk is a passionate costume designer dedicated to historical fashion and reenactment. Founder of the blog Temps d'élégance and the CosConv (Costume Convention), she has been sharing her knowledge and creations for over fifteen years. Her expertise includes crafting authentic historical costumes, passing on traditional craftsmanship, and engaging communities of enthusiasts.
  Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes – Free with registration by email (reservation.cognacqjay@paris.fr) for visitors holding an exhibition ticket (full price: €11; reduced: €9).
  Limited seats (18 per session).

For more artistic discoveries and outings, see our special selection for the Journées des Métiers d'Art.

Artisan Careers Days 2026: The Schedule for the Cultural Event Across Paris and Île-de-France
The European Days of Crafts and Artistic Trades is a special week dedicated to celebrating artisans across France, taking place from April 7 to 12, 2026. During this period, workshop doors swing open to offer a rare glimpse into their masterful skills. Now in its 20th edition, this event in Paris and Île-de-France invites you to explore a world of unique craftsmanship. Here's what awaits you. [Read more]