La Nuit Européenne des Musées

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The European Night of Museums (known in France as La Nuit Européenne des Musées) takes place on the 3rd Saturday of May, every year. This year it will be taking place on 17 May.

Most museums are only open during the daytime. But on this day of the year, they are also open in the evening and in some locations into the night. The idea is to present the museums and their exhibitions in a new light, to offer a slightly different experience from usual and make them accessible to those who may not be able to visit during the daytime or who might not be able to afford entry, as the museums are largely free to enter on this night. A night-time visit to the museum makes for a popular date idea, although most of the museums remain family-friendly.

The first night of museums - die Lange Nacht der Museen - was in Berlin in 1997, with just a few museums participating in the scheme. The event proved hugely popular however, and in 2005 the 'European night of museums' was adopted as an initiative by the European Union in conjunction with UNESCO and the International Council of Museums. Dozens of countries now take part in the initiative, including France, the UK, Russia, the Netherlands and even more recently countries beyond Europe, such as Argentina and Taiwan.

Paris boasts hundreds of museums, including the world-famous Louvre and the Centre Pompidou. People come from all over the world just to see the various exhibitions hosted in France's capital, and if you happen to be one of the many tourists planning a cultural trip to Paris, May is one of the best months to visit. The weather is generally very warm, and over thirty museums and cultural spaces will participate in La Nuit des Musées, from Le Musée National Eugène Delacroix, a gallery devoted to the French artist known for his painting of Liberty Leading the People, to La Cité des sciences et de l’industrie, a science museum which has an IMAX theatre and a planetarium.

Various events will be taking place on the night, such as AI-generated music battles at Cité des sciences et de l’industrie and a beginner-friendly Mahjong competition at the Musée Cernuschi.
You can also expect to see live music events, screenings, interactive activities such as workshops and much more!

For a full list of the activities you can watch or take part in on 17 May in Paris, be sure to visit the Department of Culture website. It's also a good idea to check the website for each museum you plan on visiting to get further details, as well as find out whether you need to book in advance. Most museums in Paris are free to enter on the Night of the Museums, although you may need to book a slot and secure a ticket.

As the Night of Museums only happens once a year, popular museums such as the Centre Pompidou are likely to be very busy, so if you would prefer a quiet evening out, you may want to check out some of the less well known museums such as the Le Musée National Jean-Jacques Henner or L’Hôtel de la Marine, which will be hosting an exhibition featuring jazz and chamber music.

Can't make it on the 17th? Don't worry, as lots of museums around Paris are open late throughout the year, including Maison Gainsbourgh - the house of the singer and actor Serge Gaibsbourg - and the Optical Illusion Museum.