May is definitely our favorite month: it's the third bank holiday we've had this month! Many lucky people will be able to spend less time at the office, and more time in museums. This Thursday, May 9, 2024, is Ascension Day. In other words, it's a public holiday! Just after the May 8 commemorations, some people even have a third day off: if you take the day off on Friday, you'll enjoy a long weekend, ideal for fun and relaxation.
With all these extra days off, there's plenty of time to get out and discover all the events on offer. And when you see the program of museums in Paris and theIle-de-France region, you already know how you're going to spend your free time this Ascension weekend!
Provided, of course, that the museums are open on the holiday. The good news is that almost all art and culture venues will remain open to the public on May 9, 2024. The question is, where can't we go? To find out, let's take a look at the list of cultural venues closing on Ascension Day.
Museums and monuments closed on Ascension Thursday, May 9, 2024:
The little-known Musée Jacquemart-André and its fine art collection in Paris
The Musée Jacquemart-André is a beautiful, little-known museum in Paris. It holds many treasures, including Rembrandt's Pilgrims to Emmaus, Sandro Botticelli's Virgin and Child and Donatello's Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, all collected by Nélie Jacquemart and her husband Edouard André in the 19th century. [Read more]
La Monnaie de Paris: an unusual cultural and historical institution in Paris
Do you know how coins are made in France? Come and find out by visiting the Monnaie de Paris, the institution that teaches us more about the history of silver and the minting of medals, in a place steeped in history. [Read more]
The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature in Paris: an exploration of the human-animal relationship
Nestled in the Marais district of Paris, the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature offers a unique insight into hunting, nature and the complex relationship between man and animal. This unusual museum invites visitors to discover an exceptional collection, while encouraging reflection on our relationship with flora and fauna. [Read more]
The Musée de la Carte à jouer, a unique collection dedicated to our card games, in Issy (92).
Just south of Paris, in Issy-des-Moulineaux (92), you'll find a museum that's unique in France: the Musée de la Carte à jouer, a cultural venue devoted entirely to card games, from the first models to appear in the 15th century, right up to the present day. [Read more]
Good news then: this Thursday, and over the long weekend, almost all museums and monuments are open! So, where are we going and what are we doing? It's up to you to decide: a multitude ofexhibitions and outings are on offer. Need help choosing? Take a look at our selection.
Exhibitions of the moment :
May 2025 in Paris: attractive exhibitions to see in the capital and the Paris region
What's there to see in May 2025 in Paris and the Île-de-France region? The program of new exhibitions is on its way, and promises some great discoveries! [Read more]
Claude Monet : where to see the works of the famous impressionist painter in Paris ?
He's undoubtedly one of France's best-loved painters: Claude Monet left us many magnificent canvases, some of which can be seen in Paris museums. [Read more]
L'Atelier des Lumières, a digital art center and immersive museum in Paris
For total, magical immersion in the works of the greatest artists, head for Atelier des Lumières, the digital art center in Paris's 11th arrondissement. Find out all the latest news from this museum like no other. [Read more]
AURA INVALIDES, the must-see sound and light show in Paris
Looking for a unique nocturnal experience in Paris? Ready to be amazed and embark on a timeless journey to a legendary heritage site? Come and discover AURA INVALIDES, a sound and light show at the iconic Dôme des Invalides as night falls. A magical moment in the heart of the Dome, sure to delight young and old alike. [Read more]
LV Dream by Louis Vuitton: free exhibition, boutique, café and chocolate shop
The famous Maison Louis Vuitton opens LV DREAM, a free exhibition and gift store that also features a café and a chocolate shop in collaboration with Chef Pâtissier Maxime Frédéric of Cheval Blanc Paris. While the exhibition is by reservation only, the boutique and café are open to the public. [Read more]
The Dior Gallery: a sublime exhibition at the couture house's historic address
The Galerie Dior is the must-see spot for fashion lovers in Paris! Located in the historic mansion at 30 Montaigne, it invites visitors to plunge into the heart of the fabulous universe of the House of Christian Dior. Between heritage(s) and reinvention, discover the new exhibition route of this cultural showcase, through a succession of immersive scenographies brought together in this veritable little museum. [Read more]
The Musée de l'Illusion in Paris: a multi-sensory journey that will make you lose your head!
The Musée de l'Illusion awaits you in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, in the Châtelet les Halles district. Come with friends or family for a unique and exciting experience! Immerse yourself in a fascinating world, where all your senses will be turned upside down... A multi-sensory visit that's a must. [Read more]
Henri Matisse in Paris: where to see the works of the painter in the capital?
Precursor of fauvism, impressionist, modern artist... Henri Matisse has left a lasting impression on the art world. What if we (re)discovered his works thanks to the Parisian museums? [Read more]
The Musée Méliès, the Cinémathèque Française's film museum for fans of the 7th art
Get ready to discover the Musée Méliès, the Cinémathèque Française's new film museum, as soon as it opens. Bigger and better, the Musée Méliès unveils its new itinerary and many previously unpublished archives, by Georges Méliès of course, but also by more contemporary filmmakers. It's a dream come true for young and old, curious and passionate about the 7th art. [Read more]
The Musée de la Sculpture en plein air: a free art walk in the heart of Paris
Have you heard of the Musée de la Sculpture en plein air? Located in the Square Tino Rossi in the 5th arrondissement, this small museum offers a free cultural stroll along the banks of the Seine, in a magnificent bucolic setting. [Read more]
Animal Crossing New Horizons: where to see the paintings and sculptures in the game?
Art or video game lovers, head to the museums of Paris, in search of the works sold by Rounard in Animal Crossing New Horizons, the Nintendo game. [Read more]
Maison Poincaré: we visited the very first mathematics museum in Paris
The Maison Poincaré, nestled in the heart of Paris's Latin Quarter, invites you to discover the capital's very first mathematics museum from September 30, 2023. Inspired by the world's greatest science museums, this unique venue promises to illuminate the history, influence and wonders of mathematics for all the curious! We tell you all about it! [Read more]
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the must-see Parisian museum dedicated to design and fashion
Just a stone's throw from the Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre Pyramid, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs occupies the Rohan and Marsan wings of the Palais du Louvre, with permanent collections and temporary exhibitions that are a must-see for all Paris design enthusiasts. [Read more]
Baghdad with Assassin's Creed Mirage: the successful exhibition extended at the Institut du Monde Arabe
When video games allow us to explore the past... The Institut du Monde Arabe and Ubisoft join forces for an exceptional exhibition: February 28 to January 12, 2025, discover Baghdad: rediscover Madinat al-Salam, with Assassin's Creed Mirage. [Read more]
Unusual Paris: the incredible Musée des Moulages at Hôpital Saint-Louis
Want to immerse yourself in unusual Paris? We'd like to introduce you to the incredible and fascinating Musée des Moulages, located in the heart of the Hôpital Saint-Louis. Inside this unique place? A collection of over 4,900 medical waxes tracing the history of dermatological diseases, listed as a Monument Historique in 1992. [Read more]
Egypt of the Pharaohs: the Atelier des Lumières immersive exhibition is extended
A fabulous journey awaits us this year at the Atelier des Lumières: from February 9, 2024 to January 22, 2025, discover the Egypt of the Pharaohs, from Cheops to Ramses II. [Read more]
Monuments to see:
The Château de Monte-Cristo, Alexandre Dumas' hidden and unusual home
Discover the Château de Monte-Cristo, the residence imagined by the writer Alexandre Dumas. Set in an English garden in the heart of the Yvelines, on the Saint-Germain-en-Laye side, you'll find an exuberantly styled 19th-century château and its small Château d'If. We take you on a tour of this hidden heritage, listed as a historic monument. [Read more]
The Château de Malmaison, from residence to museum
The Château de Malmaison, located in Rueil-Malmaison in the Hauts-de-Seine region of France, is now home to the Napoleonic National Museum. During the French Revolution, Josephine Bonaparte acquired the property and it became the Palais Impérial de Malmaison, transforming it into the seat of government for a time. [Read more]
Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a Medieval Treasure in Ile-de-France
Available all year round, the Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a medieval jewel in the Ile-de-France region, invites you to immerse yourself in history. [Read more]
The Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise, the Impressionist treasure and its program
Discover the Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise and its sublime English gardens. Throughout the year, exhibitions and events focusing on Impressionism await you. [Read more]
Château de Blandy-les-Tours, a medieval monument in a charming Seine-et-Marne village
The little-known Château de Blandy-les-Tours, located in the very center of a picturesque village in the Seine-et-Marne region, boasts a rich heritage that has spanned history, wars and centuries. A true medieval fortress that has been preserved to the present day, it is one of the most impressive castles in the Île-de-France region. We take you on a voyage of discovery. [Read more]
(Re)discover Royaumont Abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in Ile-de-France
Just north of Paris, in the Val d'Oise, stands the Abbaye de Royaumont, founded in 1228 by Saint Louis and his mother Blanche de Castille. This royal abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in the Île-de-France region, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. With its listed buildings, Royaumont offers a fascinating insight into French medieval history. Many events now take place on the premises, and we take you on a journey of rediscovery. [Read more]
Château d'Asnières-sur-Seine, an exceptional, little-known heritage site on the outskirts of Paris
If you don't live in Asnières-sur-Seine, you may be unaware of the existence of its château. Completely renovated during two restoration campaigns carried out by the town council in recent years, the site is now open to the public free of charge on certain Sundays of the year. [Read more]
There's plenty to keep you busy this Ascension Day. So, where do we start?
