European Museum Night: The Ultimate Guide to Must-See Free Nocturnes This Saturday, May 23, museums are breaking the ice and staying open for free until midnight
From Paris to Marseille, by way of Lyon, cities all across France are getting on board with free admission for this major cultural celebration. Far from being restricted to major metropolises, local institutions and intimate museums are also joining the party. The journey even crosses our borders, as the whole of Italy will be buzzing to the rhythm of these same late-night visits. Whether you are looking for grand spectacles, haute couture, or a festive party vibe, here is our anthology of Parisian events you absolutely cannot miss.
A night in the world's largest Museum
The world's largest museum is, of course, part of the celebration. Although still shaken by last October's heist -a dramatic true-crime story soon to be adapted for the screen by director Romain Gavras- the Louvre is healing its wounds with poetry.
Starting at 5 PM, numerous creative workshops will set up right in the middle of the historic galleries. On the agenda: sketching sessions to unlock the secrets behind the creation of the greatest masterpieces, from the Venus de Milo to The Mona Lisa and The Raft of the Medusa. From contemplation to creation, it is just a short step.
99 rue de Rivoli, 75001, Paris.
A Starry Sky by Auguste-Dormeuil under the dome of the Bourse de Commerce
For European Museum Night, the Bourse de Commerce — Pinault Collection invites visitors to discover an exceptional artwork for free in the Rotunda from 7 PM to midnight -a favorite venue for Saint Laurent fashion shows.
French artist Renaud Auguste-Dormeuil will reactivate his monumental installation I Will Keep A Light Burning, notably showcased in 2016 at the Musée du Quai Branly. Under the glass dome of the Bourse de Commerce's Rotunda, transformed into a celestial observatory, the artist will light candles that will gradually reveal a constellation of the future: that of Paris 100 years from now.
Booking required.
2 rue de Viarmes, 75001, Paris.
A Marilyn Monroe drag show at the Cinémathèque Française
Calling all Marilyn Monroe fans! The drag and cabaret collective The Screen Queens is taking over the Cinémathèque's forecourt for a colorful outdoor show. On the program: diamonds, pink, glitter, and a healthy dose of "poopoopidoo" energy!
Once the show is over, the adventure continues inside the museum to rediscover the complex and fascinating career of the American actress, moving far beyond her image as a mere sex symbol.
No booking required.
51 rue de Bercy, 75012, Paris.
Party in the Gardens of the Musée Rodin
After strolling among the bronze sculptures, the party moves outdoors and continues into the night. Starting at 10 PM, the museum gardens turn into a dance floor courtesy of two DJs ready to make you move to rhythms straight out of Mexico.
From guaracha to cumbia, via neo-perreo and tribal, get ready to discover the incredible richness of the contemporary Mexican music scene. And because all that dancing works up a thirst, the café-restaurant L’Augustine will be serving drinks and snacks with Latin American flavors all night long. Olé!
77 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris.
An Introduction to special effects at the Institut Giacometti
As it prepares to be joined in the future by the world's very first major museum dedicated to the Swiss sculptor, the Institut Giacometti is offering an unusual late-night experience. The institution has invited Harold Lévy, a professional special effects makeup artist, for an introductory session open to all.
Whether you are young or old, come learn the industry secrets behind fake skin, scars, and other movie wounds, just like on a real film set!
5 rue Victor Schoelcher, 75014, Paris.
Behind the scenes of Fashion at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs
Slip into the shoes of the elegant men and women of yesteryear. The Musée des Arts Décoratifs offers a unique sensory experience: come try on a 16th-century ruff, adjust voluminous 18th-century panniers, or tame the spectacular crinolines and bustles of the 19th century.
All of these historical pieces have been recreated identically by master artisans. By wearing them, you will feel the weight, the gait, and the constraints of each era, allowing you to better understand how these structures shaped silhouettes and redefined the rules of seduction throughout history. A true time machine, taking you from behind the scenes to the mirror.
107 rue de Rivoli, 75001, Paris.
A Thousand and One Harps at the Philharmonie de Paris
When strings from all over the world tune in for a magical night. To mark European Museum Night, let yourself be spellbound by a poetic celebration of the harp in all its forms. At the heart of the Musée de la Musique's collections, the legendary echoes of the Celtic harp, the sacred vibrations of the African kora, and the resolutely contemporary accents of the electro harp join in a hypnotic dialogue.
Blending tradition and avant-garde, this immersive concert dissolves geographical and temporal boundaries to create a universal harmony across genres. A nocturnal, melodic stroll where music speaks directly to the artwork.
No booking required.
221 avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019, Paris.
