Night of Museums 2026: Unusual Evening Openings for an Original Night Out in Paris and Île-de-France

Published by La Rédac · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on March 4, 2026 at 06:29 p.m.
For the 2026 Night of Museums, we're offering an unusual selection to shake up your routine and introduce you to new horizons. Explore our lineup of unique events to experience this Saturday, May 23rd, during this not-to-be-missed nocturnal adventure! Ready to be surprised?

Every year, for one special night, Museums and monuments across France swing open their doors to welcome visitors for a shared experience. On the occasion of the Night of Museums 2026, this Saturday, May 23rd, these cultural landmarks invite us once again... for new adventures. Say goodbye to routine visits, traditional exhibitions, and all-too-predictable evening events.

A number of museums have decided to surprise us with unusual activities and events, a must-do to spice up your evening.

Pajama party, lantern-lit tours, quirky concerts... What unique experiences are in store for us this year at the museums of Paris and Île-de-France? For an evening that's anything but ordinary, follow our guide to the most original museums and events during this 22nd edition of the Night of Museums!

So, mark your calendars for Saturday, May 23, 2026, and join us for a Museum Night full of adventure and fun.

Unique Events to Experience During the Night of Museums 2026:

La BnF Richelieu rouvre ses portes après 10 ans de travauxLa BnF Richelieu rouvre ses portes après 10 ans de travauxLa BnF Richelieu rouvre ses portes après 10 ans de travauxLa BnF Richelieu rouvre ses portes après 10 ans de travaux Night of Museums 2026: the BnF Richelieu Museum and its oval hall reveal themselves at night.
The Night of Museums is back on Saturday, May 23, 2026. It’s your chance to explore after hours the famed Oval Room and the Bibliothèque nationale de France’s museum, which holds a treasure trove of wonders. Head here to browse the program. [Read more]

MUSEE SAFRANMUSEE SAFRANMUSEE SAFRANMUSEE SAFRAN Flight simulation and theatrical tours at a Paris-area aeronautical and space museum for the Night of Museums 2026
In Seine-et-Marne, this museum devoted to aviation and outer space invites you to take off for the Night of Museums 2026. Between flight simulators, theatrical tours and performances, it promises a lively evening on Saturday, May 23, 2026. [Read more]

Villes et vues d'Île-de-France, visuels - Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, parc de Bicêtre, Hôpital Bicêtre AP-HP 94Villes et vues d'Île-de-France, visuels - Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, parc de Bicêtre, Hôpital Bicêtre AP-HP 94Villes et vues d'Île-de-France, visuels - Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, parc de Bicêtre, Hôpital Bicêtre AP-HP 94Villes et vues d'Île-de-France, visuels - Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, parc de Bicêtre, Hôpital Bicêtre AP-HP 94 Night at the Museums 2026: a late-night visit to the AP-HP Museum at Kremlin-Bicêtre Hospital (94)
On the occasion of the European Night of Museums, the Museum of Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), based in Kremlin-Bicêtre, invites you to explore its collections this Saturday, May 23, 2026. [Read more]

La Cinémathèque française : le temple des cinéphiles au cœur du quartier BercyLa Cinémathèque française : le temple des cinéphiles au cœur du quartier BercyLa Cinémathèque française : le temple des cinéphiles au cœur du quartier BercyLa Cinémathèque française : le temple des cinéphiles au cœur du quartier Bercy A special late-night program exploring the Marilyn Monroe universe for the 2026 Night of Museums at the Cinémathèque.
For the Night of Museums in Paris, the Cinémathèque is offering free activities around the museum’s collections and the exhibitions on display, sure to delight film lovers as well as families! Mark your calendars for May 23, 2026 to experience a cinema-filled late night. [Read more]

Le Château Fort de Nemours, l'un des seuls château de ville d'Ile-de-France, rouvre ses portesLe Château Fort de Nemours, l'un des seuls château de ville d'Ile-de-France, rouvre ses portesLe Château Fort de Nemours, l'un des seuls château de ville d'Ile-de-France, rouvre ses portesLe Château Fort de Nemours, l'un des seuls château de ville d'Ile-de-France, rouvre ses portes Night-time dungeon tours: the 2026 Night of Museums program at the Nemours Castle-Museum
One of Nemours’ gems: on Saturday, May 23, 2026, for the Night of Museums, come visit the Nemours Castle–Museum and its collection of priceless works during a nocturnal opening, for which the detailed program is being unveiled. [Read more]

Visuel Paris 8e - Grand PalaisVisuel Paris 8e - Grand PalaisVisuel Paris 8e - Grand PalaisVisuel Paris 8e - Grand Palais Night of Museums 2026 at the Grand Palais: Free, Evening Access to the Matisse Exhibition in Paris
For the 2026 Museum Night, the Grand Palais invites us to explore one of its major current exhibitions during an exclusive evening event, set to take place on May 23, 2026. [Read more]

Musée Gustave Moreau - IMG 0784Musée Gustave Moreau - IMG 0784Musée Gustave Moreau - IMG 0784Musée Gustave Moreau - IMG 0784 Night of Museums 2026 in Paris: Enjoy a free evening visit at the Gustave Moreau Museum
The 2026 Museum Night marks its 22nd edition at the Gustave Moreau Museum in Paris on Saturday, May 23rd. Explore the exciting lineup of events planned for this year’s unmissable cultural evening. [Read more]

La Nuit des Musées 2021 : des visites gratuites par des enfants au musée du Jouet de Poissy (78)La Nuit des Musées 2021 : des visites gratuites par des enfants au musée du Jouet de Poissy (78)La Nuit des Musées 2021 : des visites gratuites par des enfants au musée du Jouet de Poissy (78)La Nuit des Musées 2021 : des visites gratuites par des enfants au musée du Jouet de Poissy (78) A family-friendly musical show: the 2026 Night of Museums program at the Toy Museum.
For the 2026 Night of Museums, head to a wonderful, playful museum that will delight both kids and the young at heart. This Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Toy Museum opens its doors to us for free as part of this XXL nocturnal edition. [Read more]

Nuit des Musées 2022 au Musée de la Préfecture de PoliceNuit des Musées 2022 au Musée de la Préfecture de PoliceNuit des Musées 2022 au Musée de la Préfecture de PoliceNuit des Musées 2022 au Musée de la Préfecture de Police Night of Museums 2026: Unravel the Mystery at the Police Prefecture Museum in Paris
On the occasion of the 2026 Night of Museums, the Police Prefecture Museum invites visitors to explore the inner workings of the Paris police force this Saturday, May 23, 2026, in the capital. A unique lineup of fun, family-friendly activities awaits for the event. Here’s a look at the full program. [Read more]

Le Musée d'histoire de la médecine à Paris, nos photos - IMGP3248Le Musée d'histoire de la médecine à Paris, nos photos - IMGP3248Le Musée d'histoire de la médecine à Paris, nos photos - IMGP3248Le Musée d'histoire de la médecine à Paris, nos photos - IMGP3248 Night of the Museums 2026 in Paris: Free Evening at the Museum of Medical History
The Night of Museums is returning on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Paris. To mark the occasion, the Museum of Medical History will open its doors for free evening visits. A great opportunity for both the curious and the enthusiasts to explore this fascinating institution after hours. [Read more]

Nuit des musées 2025 au Musée de la Gendarmerie Nationale à Melun (77)Nuit des musées 2025 au Musée de la Gendarmerie Nationale à Melun (77)Nuit des musées 2025 au Musée de la Gendarmerie Nationale à Melun (77)Nuit des musées 2025 au Musée de la Gendarmerie Nationale à Melun (77) Museum Night 2026: A Special Evening Highlighting the Tour de France at the Gendarmerie Museum
In Seine-et-Marne, the National Gendarmerie Museum is inviting visitors to join the 22nd Museum Night on Saturday, May 23, 2026. As part of this event, entry will be free for everyone, offering an opportunity to explore the various careers within the gendarmerie. This year, the festivities will highlight the "Tour de France" initiative. [Read more]

Visites guidées et animations pour toute la famille au Musée de Préhistoire d'Ile de FranceVisites guidées et animations pour toute la famille au Musée de Préhistoire d'Ile de FranceVisites guidées et animations pour toute la famille au Musée de Préhistoire d'Ile de FranceVisites guidées et animations pour toute la famille au Musée de Préhistoire d'Ile de France Night of Museums 2026: Tightrope Walkers Bring New Life to Île-de-France Prehistoric Museum in Nemours (77)
On the occasion of Museum Night on May 23, 2026, the Île-de-France Prehistory Museum in Nemours (77) is unveiling its program! Ready to travel back in time during this free cultural evening? [Read more]

Visuels musée et monument - Maison de la Culture du JaponVisuels musée et monument - Maison de la Culture du JaponVisuels musée et monument - Maison de la Culture du JaponVisuels musée et monument - Maison de la Culture du Japon Night of Museums 2026: Experience the Evening Program at the Japanese Cultural Center in Paris
The Japan Culture House invites you to explore its temporary exhibition for free during Museums Night. Join us for an evening opening on May 23, 2026 — here’s what you won’t want to miss. [Read more]

Europa Expérience, un lieu d'exposition gratuit et immersif sur l'Union Européenne à ParisEuropa Expérience, un lieu d'exposition gratuit et immersif sur l'Union Européenne à ParisEuropa Expérience, un lieu d'exposition gratuit et immersif sur l'Union Européenne à ParisEuropa Expérience, un lieu d'exposition gratuit et immersif sur l'Union Européenne à Paris A musical evening at Europa Experience Paris for the 2026 Night of Museums
Europa Experience is a unique and unconventional museum that offers a special nighttime event for the Night of Museums on Saturday, May 23, 2026. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn more about the European Union! So, what can visitors expect for this 22nd edition? [Read more]

Nuit des Musée 2018 au Château de Brie-Comte-RobertNuit des Musée 2018 au Château de Brie-Comte-RobertNuit des Musée 2018 au Château de Brie-Comte-RobertNuit des Musée 2018 au Château de Brie-Comte-Robert A theatrical family investigation at Château de Brie-Comte-Robert (77) for the Night of the Museums in 2026
The Château of Brie-Comte-Robert will open its doors for Museums Night on Saturday, May 23, 2026. A playful, theatrical quiz designed for both children and adults awaits visitors within this historic site. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy an evening that’s both unusual and culturally enriching. [Read more]

Musée de la chasse et de la nature - collections permanentes et visuels - IMG20241209151208Musée de la chasse et de la nature - collections permanentes et visuels - IMG20241209151208Musée de la chasse et de la nature - collections permanentes et visuels - IMG20241209151208Musée de la chasse et de la nature - collections permanentes et visuels - IMG20241209151208 Nuit des Musées 2025 at the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature: the nocturnal artistic program
The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature comes to life for Nuit des Musées 2025. Discover the program that awaits you on Saturday, May 17, 2025, for an exceptional nocturne in Paris. [Read more]

Codex on the Rocks, nos photos de l'expo au Musée de Minéralogie à ParisCodex on the Rocks, nos photos de l'expo au Musée de Minéralogie à ParisCodex on the Rocks, nos photos de l'expo au Musée de Minéralogie à ParisCodex on the Rocks, nos photos de l'expo au Musée de Minéralogie à Paris Nuit des Musées 2025 in Paris: discover the École des Mines and its mineralogy museum
Museum Night returns to Paris on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Why not take the opportunity to discover the École des Mines and its mineralogy museum? Here's the program for this 21st edition in the capital. [Read more]

Maison Elsa Triolet-Aragon - IMG 2057Maison Elsa Triolet-Aragon - IMG 2057Maison Elsa Triolet-Aragon - IMG 2057Maison Elsa Triolet-Aragon - IMG 2057 Night of Museums 2026: Evening Guided Tours at the Elsa Triolet-Aragon House in the Yvelines (78)
The Night of Museums 2026 will also be taking place at the Elsa Triolet-Aragon House in Saint-Arnoult-en-Yvelines (78)! On Saturday, May 23, 2026, come explore this stunning historic site along with its sculpture garden, all illuminated in the evening. [Read more]

Le musée Rambolitrain - nos photos - image00036Le musée Rambolitrain - nos photos - image00036Le musée Rambolitrain - nos photos - image00036Le musée Rambolitrain - nos photos - image00036 Museum Night 2026 at the Rambolitrain Museum: a family-friendly evening event in Rambouillet (78)
On the occasion of this year's Nuit des Musées, the Rambolitrain Museum in Rambouillet, Yvelines, will open its toy train collection for an evening visit on May 23, 2026. Here's what you can expect from the event. [Read more]

Are you excited? So are we! Mark your calendars for May 23, 2026, and join us for an unforgettable evening exploring the museums and art venues of Paris and Île-de-France!

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On May 23, 2026

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Prices
    Free

    Recommended age
    For all

    Official website
    nuitdesmusees.culture.gouv.fr

    Comments