During the Nuit des Musées, many historic sites in Paris open their doors to let us enjoy often free tours and special activities during this extraordinary night-time edition. Each year, this cultural rendezvous invites us to a springtime, as the days lengthen. For this new edition of Nuit des Musées in Paris and Île-de-France, be sure to mark Saturday May 23, 2026 on your calendar.
The Hôtel de Soubise, a remarkable setting for the French National Archives
In the heart of the Marais district, discover a private mansion and its hidden garden, home to the Archives nationales and a free museum open to all. A chance to admire the sublime architecture of the Hôtel de Soubise! [Read more]
To mark the occasion, the Archives Nationales, home to the eponymous museum, invites us to discover a special program. Located in Paris's 3rd arrondissement, in the Marais district, this historic site invites us to discover the history of France through the documents that have marked the evolution of our country. We also take the opportunity to explore the magnificent architecture of the Hôtel de Soubise and the various gardens, which offer different atmospheres as we wander around.
So, what's in store for this year's Nuitdes Musées in Paris ? Check out the program below!
Lafayette Between France and America: History and Legend
The year 2026 marks not only the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence but also the 200th anniversary of Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. To mark the occasion, the National Archives and the college have joined forces to mount an exhibition devoted to Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (1757–1834): a figure beloved in the United States, controversial in France, who throughout his life served as a bridge between two shores and two political cultures.
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 14:00 to 23:59
Napoleon I's Will
From April 15 to 27, the Emperor, gravely ill, pens his will, famed for one final line: “I wish my ashes to rest on the banks of the Seine, amid the French people I loved so much.”
A few words that have endured, even though the document itself spans 58 pages, in which the entire arc of his life reappears.
At the heart of financial, political, and diplomatic stakes for nearly four decades, the manuscript’s journey mirrors its author: extraordinary. Initially kept in England for more than thirty years, Napoleon I’s will would finally find its place among France’s emblematic documents in the autumn of 1860. On that date, it entered the National Archives’ Iron Box.
By public vote, Napoleon I’s will was selected for the sixth installment of the exhibition cycle “Les Remarquables.”
https://www.archives-nationales.culture.gouv.fr/evenements/le-testament-de-napoleon-ier
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 11:59 PM
National Archives Museum
Discover the museum's permanent itinerary, its temporary exhibitions — “The Testament of Napoleon I” and “Lafayette Between France and America: History and Legend” — as well as the salons of the Prince and Princess of Soubise.
https://www.archives-nationales.culture.gouv.fr/le-musee-des-archives-nationales
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 2:00 PM – 11:59 PM
The National Archives' Grand Depositories
Built in the 19th century, today listed as Monuments Historiques, the Grands Dépôts house the oldest documents preserved by the National Archives.
Tours depart every half hour
Visit duration: 45 minutes
For more about the Grands Dépôts: https://www.archives-nationales.culture.gouv.fr/les-grands-depots
Participation conditions: Ticket collection in the court of honor, 30 minutes before departure — Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 6:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Confidences from a grand townhouse - The interiors of the Orléans Chancellery
The Educational Service of the National Archives invites a first-year class taking the History of Art option to lead an oral mediation inside the Hôtel de Rohan, recently restored, and thus take part in its reopening to the public.
Located in the different spaces of the hôtel, the students will present every 20 minutes a facet of the history of the décors of the Chancery of Orléans that were reinstalled in the Hôtel de Rohan in 2021.
Participation guidelines: Guided tours. Departures at 6:00 PM, 6:45 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:15 PM and 9:00 PM. Ticket pickup in the museum courtyard 30 minutes before each departure. - Free | No advance booking required
Hours: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
From pupil to master: a life in pedagogy with Georges Caussade
Ellis Quartet concert
With students from the Nadia and Lili Boulanger Municipal Conservatory (Paris, 9th arrondissement)
Tribute to Georges Caussade (1873-1936)
Participation requirements: Limited to 50 people - Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
The National Archives' Historical Library
Carte Blanche to the Napoleon Foundation*!
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Based in the Hôtel de Breteuil, the National Archives’ library preserves a rich collection of 150,000 volumes and several hundred periodical titles.
Chantal Prévot, head of the Napoleon Foundation libraries, presents here a selection of ancient and modern works on Napoleon I’s exile and death on Saint Helena, and his will.
Guided tours depart at 9:00 PM, 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Tickets can be picked up in the inner courtyard of the Hôtel de Soubise, 30 minutes before the chosen departure.
* partner of the exhibition "Napoleon I’s Testament"
To learn more about the National Archives’ historical library:
Participation terms: Guided tour departure: 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM (your choice). Ticket collection in the Hôtel de Soubise's forecourt, 30 minutes before the chosen time. - Free
Schedule: Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 21:00–22:00, 22:00–23:00, 23:00–23:59
Le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.
Often overlooked, this capital monument can hold many surprises: why not take advantage of the Nuit des Musées to really discover it?
Dates and Opening Time
On May 23, 2026
Location
Archives Nationales - Paris site
60 Rue des Francs Bourgeois
75003 Paris 3
Route planner
Prices
Free
Official website
www.archives-nationales.culture.gouv.fr
The Hôtel de Soubise, a remarkable setting for the French National Archives
