Nights of Reading 2026: A Graphic Novel Journey into 18th-Century Life at the Cognacq-Jay Museum

Have you heard of Nuits de la lecture? Launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Culture, this event aims to celebrate the joy of reading every year. This year, the Nuits de la lecture will return from January 21 to 25, 2026 for their 10th edition. What’s on the agenda? Thousands of in-person and digital events centered around the theme "Cities and Countrysides", inspiring countless novels and literary works of all kinds.

In Paris, several museums are taking part in the event, including the Cognacq-Jay Museum. Located today in the 3rd arrondissement of the city, the museum first opened its doors on June 4, 1929, under the auspices of President Gaston Doumergue, on Boulevard des Capucines. It closed in 1988, with its collections relocating to the Hôtel de Donon. The museum then reopened two years later, in 1990. Famous for showcasing the collections of Ernest Cognacq and Marie-Louise Jaÿ—founders of La Samaritaine—the Parisian museum invites visitors on a comic book journey into the heart of the 18th century for this year’s Readings Nights edition in 2026.

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]

Night of Reading 2026 at the Cognacq-Jay Museum in Paris: Event Highlights

On January 21, 2026, at 4 p.m., come meet Arnaud Le Gouëfflec and discover his two historical comics set in the 18th century: Méridien and Deux Femmes. His first comic follows the expedition of La Condamine, sent to Ecuador by the King to verify the shape of the Earth, while the second tells the story of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, two of the most legendary female pirates in history.

• To be read
• Nights of Reading 2026: The Schedule for the Literary Night Event in Paris & Île-de-France
• Nights of Reading 2026 in Paris: Writing and Reading Workshop at Les Mots Writing School
• Nuits de la lecture 2026: a week of fun and poetic exploration at the City of Science

Please note that this presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with the audience. An opportunity to discuss the challenges of storytelling in comics, as well as the role of fiction in shaping history.

Catering to both teenagers and adults, this 1-hour and 15-minute event is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Entry is free, but registration is required through this link. Don't forget to sign up in advance right here!