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.



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]



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]



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]



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]



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]



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]



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]



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]



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]



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?
Dates and Opening Time
On May 23, 2026
Prices
Free
Official website
nuitdesmusees.culture.gouv.fr