Night at the Museums 2026 in Paris: the Top 10 Must-See Events You Can't Miss This Year

Published by La Rédac · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on March 3, 2026 at 08:02 p.m.
Are you on the lookout for the best of the best for the Night of Museums in Paris and Île-de-France on Saturday, May 23, 2026? Free museum entries, special events — follow our guide to discover the top 10 must-see highlights for this extraordinary evening. From renowned institutions to hidden gems, there’s plenty to make your cultural night out unforgettable.

It's the highly anticipated annual event for art and culture lovers: the Night of Museums. Celebrating its 22nd edition, it returns this year! Mark your calendars for Saturday May 23, 2026, for an extraordinary evening when museums and landmarks across Paris and Île-de-France open their doors — and often free of charge!

For this brand-new edition, the Nuit of Museums offers an even richer and more diverse lineup: hundreds of museums, castles, and historical sites are opening their doors. On Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, alongside free exhibitions, thousands of activities are happening across participating venues: concerts, guided tours, games, film screenings, performances, and more...

It's hard to find your way through all the choices. How do you find the coolest events, the most beautiful venues, all without spending a penny? Don't worry, you've come to the right place: to help you, we've put together a selection of the top 10 must-do events for this Nuit des Musées in Paris and the Ile-de-France region.

The Top 10 Must-Do Experiences for Night of Museums 2026:

Visuel Paris, Château de VersaillesVisuel Paris, Château de VersaillesVisuel Paris, Château de VersaillesVisuel Paris, Château de Versailles Museum Night 2026 at the Château de Versailles (Yvelines, 78): the program for the Sun King’s domain.
What’s in store for the 2026 Night of Museums at the Château de Versailles? Here’s what to expect for the 22nd edition, taking place on Saturday, May 23, 2026. [Read more]

Centre Culturel Irlandais et sa bibliothèque  - courCentre Culturel Irlandais et sa bibliothèque  - courCentre Culturel Irlandais et sa bibliothèque  - courCentre Culturel Irlandais et sa bibliothèque  - cour Museum Night 2026: An artistic evening at the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris.
On the 22nd edition of the Night of Museums, the Irish Cultural Centre welcomes you to a cultural evening this Saturday, May 23, 2026. Come discover this institution, which puts Ireland and its culture in the spotlight, for this special night! [Read more]

Maison Élysée : le premier musée de l'Élysée, hébergeant un café et une boutique, ouvre ses portes !Maison Élysée : le premier musée de l'Élysée, hébergeant un café et une boutique, ouvre ses portes !Maison Élysée : le premier musée de l'Élysée, hébergeant un café et une boutique, ouvre ses portes !Maison Élysée : le premier musée de l'Élysée, hébergeant un café et une boutique, ouvre ses portes ! Night of Museums 2026 in Paris at the Maison Élysée: Discover the museum of the presidential palace!
The Elysée Museum invites you to the 22nd edition of the Night of Museums in Paris! Step behind the scenes of the presidential palace during this exceptional after-hours event on Saturday, May 23, 2026. [Read more]

Le MAC-VAL, le musée d'art contemporain du Val-de-Marne et ses collections à portée de Navigo - IMG20240424115531Le MAC-VAL, le musée d'art contemporain du Val-de-Marne et ses collections à portée de Navigo - IMG20240424115531Le MAC-VAL, le musée d'art contemporain du Val-de-Marne et ses collections à portée de Navigo - IMG20240424115531Le MAC-VAL, le musée d'art contemporain du Val-de-Marne et ses collections à portée de Navigo - IMG20240424115531 Night of Museums 2026 at MAC/VAL (94): the program for this free after-hours event
The MAC/VAL, in Val-de-Marne, is taking part in Night of Museums 2026! Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 23, 2026, to enjoy a rich nocturnal program in this 22nd edition. Here’s what you can expect from this Night of Museums! [Read more]

Musée des arts métiers - nos photos - image00049Musée des arts métiers - nos photos - image00049Musée des arts métiers - nos photos - image00049Musée des arts métiers - nos photos - image00049 Family workshops and demonstrations: Night of Museums 2026 at the Musée des Arts et Métiers
On the occasion of the 2026 Night of Museums, the Musée des Arts et Métiers invites you to a special after-hours event on Saturday, May 23, 2026: visitors of all ages will be invited to explore machines and devices, each more extraordinary than the last. [Read more]

Nuit des Musées 2023 au Musée de la Toile de Jouy (78) : une soirée dansante pour remonter le tempsNuit des Musées 2023 au Musée de la Toile de Jouy (78) : une soirée dansante pour remonter le tempsNuit des Musées 2023 au Musée de la Toile de Jouy (78) : une soirée dansante pour remonter le tempsNuit des Musées 2023 au Musée de la Toile de Jouy (78) : une soirée dansante pour remonter le temps Self-guided, evening visit to the Jouy Textile Print Museum (78) for Museums Night 2026.
The Musée de la Toile de Jouy opens its doors to curious visitors this Saturday, May 23, 2026, as part of the 22nd edition of the Night of Museums. Discover the program for this cultural nocturne. [Read more]

Nuit des Musées 2022 au Musée Paul Belmondo (92)Nuit des Musées 2022 au Musée Paul Belmondo (92)Nuit des Musées 2022 au Musée Paul Belmondo (92)Nuit des Musées 2022 au Musée Paul Belmondo (92) In Boulogne, the Paul Belmondo Museum comes alive with music for the 2026 Night of Museums.
For the 2026 Night of Museums, the Paul Belmondo Museum, housed in Boulogne-Billancourt in the Hauts-de-Seine department (92), invites visitors to discover its collections for free during a one-night, exceptional late-night opening on Saturday, May 23, 2026. [Read more]

Le Musée de Cluny, le musée du Moyen-Âge de Paris et ses trésors séculairesLe Musée de Cluny, le musée du Moyen-Âge de Paris et ses trésors séculairesLe Musée de Cluny, le musée du Moyen-Âge de Paris et ses trésors séculairesLe Musée de Cluny, le musée du Moyen-Âge de Paris et ses trésors séculaires Nuit des Musées 2026 at the Musée de Cluny: the lineup for the nocturnal events in the heart of the Middle Ages in Paris
The Cluny Museum will open its doors to the public for free this Saturday, May 23, 2026, on the occasion of the 22nd Night of Museums edition. The program features free, music-filled tours through the heart of this Parisian museum devoted to the Middle Ages. Read on for the evening schedule. [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]

Exposition ASensitiv de Warren à l'Institut Giacometti - nos photos - IMG 20230515 113951Exposition ASensitiv de Warren à l'Institut Giacometti - nos photos - IMG 20230515 113951Exposition ASensitiv de Warren à l'Institut Giacometti - nos photos - IMG 20230515 113951Exposition ASensitiv de Warren à l'Institut Giacometti - nos photos - IMG 20230515 113951 Night of Museums 2026: discover the Giacometti Institute after hours in Paris
What if we took advantage of Night of Museums to discover the Giacometti Institute, this artistic venue dedicated to the artist’s work. On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the museum opens up for a memorable after-hours exploration. We’re sharing the program for this Parisian cultural hotspot. [Read more]

So, what’s on the agenda for the 2026 Night of Museums in Paris and the surrounding areas?

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On May 23, 2026

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

    Prices
    Free

    Official website
    nuitdesmusees.culture.gouv.fr

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