It’s one of the best cultural events of the year in Paris. European Museum Night will make its grand return on Saturday, May 23, 2026, with an evening entirely dedicated to nighttime tours, unique discoveries, and free activities throughout the capital. For one night only, many Parisian museums will exceptionally open their doors until late in the evening, sometimes until midnight.
Museum Night is making a grand return to Paris
Every year, the event draws a large crowd, and the concept remains simple: to allow visitors to rediscover major museums as well as lesser-known venues in a completely different atmosphere. Once night falls, the galleries take on a new look, the lines turn into nighttime tours, and some venues offer concerts, performances, flashlight tours, or special workshops for the occasion.
In Paris, several major institutions are expected to participate once again. Among the venues already announced or regular participants are the Musée de Cluny, the Musée du Quai Branly, the Musée Gustave Moreau, the Monnaie de Paris, the Musée de la Vie Romantique, and the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution. Some museums are simply offering free admission, while others are preparing special programs designed specifically for this unique evening.
You can then move from one venue to another throughout the evening, improvise your own itinerary, and discover lesser-known spots. Smaller museums and artists’ studios are often a real hit during this special night, precisely because they offer a more intimate and unique experience.
On Saturday, May 23, Paris is set to transform into a vast cultural playground. With prestigious collections, historic buildings open at night, and pop-up events, Museum Night is a truly unique experience.
📍Museum Night 2026 – At all participating museums
📆 May 23, 2026