Nights of Reading 2026: Fun Workshops and Unique Tours at the City of Architecture

Every year, the Night of Reading draws an ever-growing crowd of curious visitors and culture enthusiasts—and it's easy to see why! Over the course of a few days, attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, including games, exhibitions, performances, guided tours, screenings, readings, meet-and-greets, and contests... All set within a warm, festive atmosphere.

In Paris, various cultural landmarks are participating in this event. Notably, the Cité de l'Architecture is hosting several activities over the weekend of January 24 and 25, 2026. To mark the occasion, the museum is unveiling a special program designed to delight visitors of all ages.

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All activities can be enjoyed with your entrance ticket or may require an additional fee. Be sure to check the visiting conditions as well: several experiences require a reservation in advance.

The Cité de l'Architecture's Programming for the 2026 Nights of Reading:

• Bridging Literature and Architecture: A Crossroads Encounter
  Authors and architects share their perspectives—whether architectural or literary—on the countryside.
  Join writers Emilie Frèche, Serge Joncour, and Emmanuel Ruben, along with architect Pierre Janin, founder of Fabriques Architectures Paysages. Moderated by literary journalist Marie-Madeleine Rigopoulos, this roundtable discussion will feature brief readings. A book signing session with the authors will follow from 6:30 pm, combined with a welcoming cocktail.
  Schedule:
  5:00 pm: Doors open
  5:30 pm: Roundtable begins
  6:30 pm: Book signings
  7:00 pm: Cocktail reception
  Free entry
  Reservations are mandatory via Eventbrite
  
• Architectural Play Workshop: “World Tour”
  Reservation required
  €5 (child’s rate) / €15 (adult’s rate) / €35 (family rate)
  January 24-25, Saturday and Sunday, from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
  The City invites children and adults alike to explore whimsical architecture and imagine their environment through building games! Families will discover the art of construction: inventing together and working side by side.
  Suitable for ages 4 and up; adult supervision required.
  
• The City on the Couch: An Unusual Tour-Performance
  Reservation required
  €23
  January 25, sessions at 11:00 am–12:30 pm and 3:00 pm–4:30 pm
  Is the City really that radiant? To answer this, the Architecture and Heritage Museum is undergoing psychoanalysis. Be the first to witness the findings from expert Laurent Petit of the National Urban Psychoanalysis Agency. Expect a hilarious journey—hopeful it will be a revealing and enriching experience!
  
• Storytelling Tour: “Journey to the Land of Models”
  Reservation required
  For ages 3-6, adult supervision essential.
  €5 (child’s rate) / €15 (adult’s rate) / €35 (family rate)
  January 25, from 11:15 am to 12:00 pm
  Bring the family along to share the adventures of a quirky model! Follow P’tit Bouquin as he explores a new world. The journey includes travel companions, creativity, and a dash of skill to overcome challenges and fulfill a dream... of becoming an architect. Hands-on experimentation, manipulation, and imagination make this a lively, engaging visit!
  
• Quick Peek: Nature in Our Collections
  No registration required
  Open to visitors aged 12 and above, included in admission ticket
  January 24-25, from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm
  Guided by museum mediators, discover the artworks with dedicated short presentations suitable for all ages, delivered every hour.

Continue your cultural journey through Paris with our specially curated picks for the Nights of Reading.

Nights of Reading 2026: The Schedule for the Literary Night Event in Paris & Île-de-France
It’s one of the most anticipated events on the cultural calendar, delighting book lovers across the city! The Night of Reading returns to our Parisian libraries and bookstores from January 21 to 25, 2026. This year’s theme explores the contrasts between city and countryside—come meet authors, enjoy exclusive readings, and take part in special tours. [Read more]