How about embracing your inner night owl by spending the evening—or at least part of it—in a museum? While most museums in Paris close at 6 p.m., some like to extend the fun by regularly hosting late-night openings. It’s a great way to explore Paris’s most beautiful museums at your own pace and without the crowds. Here’s the must-see list for art lovers.
The Bourse de Commerce is an absolutely astonishing museum, a must-see at least once while in Paris. While some of its exhibitions are packed during the day, visits are much quieter at night. Come every Friday to explore this museum until 9 p.m.
The world’s largest museum (and surely the best known) stays open every Friday night until 10 p.m. That gives you plenty of time to view the Mona Lisa from every angle (and many other works of art that are well worth seeing).
The temple of Impressionism, housed in a former train station, extends its hours every Thursday evening until 10 p.m. It’s the perfect opportunity to (re)discover masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, or Renoir in complete tranquility.
To continue your evening at the museum, the Musée du Quai Branly–Jacques Chirac immerses you in the arts and civilizations of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas every Thursday evening until 10 p.m. An unmissable immersion in the arts of the world.
You might not know this, but the Musée du Luxembourg also stays open late! Every Monday evening, it closes at 10 p.m.! It’s the perfect opportunity to see the current exhibition dedicated to Andy Warhol!
For a late-night visit in the heart of Paris, head to the Palais Galliera, also known as the Fashion Museum, located in the very chic 16th arrondissement. Built in the “Beaux-Arts” style, this Neo-Renaissance palace—with vaulted cellars converted into exhibition halls—is the perfect place to escape the crowds. And every Friday, it stays open until 9 p.m.!
The Marmottan Monet Museum houses a unique collection of over a hundred works by Claude Monet. Located in the heart of the 16th arrondissement, the Marmottan Monet Museum is the perfect stop for an evening outing: it houses the world’s largest collection of works by Claude Monet, displayed in a historic mansion. And to make the most of your visit, keep in mind that it closes at 9 p.m. every Thursday!
The Palais de Tokyo
The Palais de Tokyo is one of Europe’s largest contemporary art centers. Housed in a massive Art Deco building across from the Eiffel Tower, it stands out for its bold, immersive, and sometimes unsettling contemporary art exhibitions. For true night owls, note that the Palais de Tokyo stays open until midnight every Thursday!