Experience a Night at the Museum in Paris
In France, on the 19th of May, is celebrated as the Museum’s Night. Established in 2005, therefore making this year its 14th year celebration. If you are in France at this moment, you can’t miss this night at the museum!
What is the Night at the Museum?
The Museum’s Night is a day when museums and monuments are opened at night (till midnight for most of them). All visitors are welcomed to experience a night at the museum since the entrance is free for these events. It does not only concern French museums but all Europe’s museums. Special events are proposed for the night at the museum: guided tours, workshops, live shows and more.
Its aim is to attract new audiences, especially young people and families and to raise awareness of France’s cultural treasures, and more widely, European’s ones too.
First seen in Germany in 1997, this event has become a growing success. In 2017, more than 3 800 museums in Europe took part in the special night, with specifically 1 800 museums in France.
2018 was declared the European year of cultural heritage. Thus, this year is placed on the theme of Europe, in order to promote cultural diversity.
Museums will once again take part in the operation “La Classe, Louvre!”, which invites all students to study artwork from a museum. Then, they present their interpretation to their relatives and the visitors during the night of museums.
Where to go for the Night at the Museum?
In addition to the main exhibition, you can visit the temporary exhibit. To help you decide where to go for the night at the museum, ParisByM has made a selection of the most worthy ones to visit.
From the most classic ones to the modern ones, there is something for every taste. Feel free to check on the museums’ official website whether there are any special events organized for the night. Upcoming programs.
The Louvre Museum
The most classical museum, with antique art. If you haven’t seen the Joconde yet, this is your chance.
What to See: Exhibition of Delacroix, painter of the romantic movement. Its most renowned artwork is “Liberty Leading the People”.
For more information, click here.
Rue de Rivoli, 75001
The Museum of the Orangerie
Big fans of impressionism, use this special night at the museum to discover the museum of the Orangerie.
What to See: Exhibition of Claude Monet, you will be impressed to discover the famous Water Lilies he painted.
For more information, click here.
Place de la Concorde, 75001
The Museum of the Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
You will find in exhibited this museum, ethnologic and contemporary museum, art and civilizations from Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas.
What to See: “Hells and Ghosts of Asia”, the museum proposes to immerse in the Asian culture and imagination of scary creatures.
For more information, click here.
37 Quai Branly, 75007
The Foundation of Louis Vuitton
Take a look at this amazing building of the XXIth which has incredibly inspiring modern artwork.
What to See: “Au Diapason du Monde”, a temporary exhibition based on the re-appropriation of myths and the exploration of the human being.
For more information, click here.
8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75116
The Versailles Castle
The most famous castle in France, visit the impressive castle where the king Louis XIV lived.
What to See: The Royal Chapel, the Hall of Mirrors and the King’s bedroom.
For more information, click here.
Place d’Armes 78000
The City of Science and Industry
For a night with family, the City of Science and Industry is the perfect place to go. You have the choice between many temporary exhibitions and most of them are interactive, perfect for kids.
What to See: “Patate !”, an exhibition on potatoes. “Once upon a time”, which explore the science through childhood tales. “Cold” or “Special Effects”, which explains the different kinds of trickery techniques of the cinema.
For more information, click here.
30 Avenue Corentin Cariou, 75019
Museum of Police Headquarters
For a less common night at the museum, visit the museum of Police Headquarters which traces the history of Parisian police between crimes and punishments.
For more information, click here.
4 Rue de la Montagne Sainte Geneviève 75005