Night of Museums

Every year, on the third Saturday in May, museums all across Europe keep their doors open late as part of the Night of Museums, also known as the Long Night of Museums or La Nuit des Musées in French. During this exceptional evening, cultural spaces and museums in over 130 cities offer special exhibitions, performances, workshops, and more, as well as (generally) free entry.

As one of the cultural capitals of the world, Paris also participates in this annual event, with museums both large and small staying open until midnight or later to welcome visitors. Held on the third Saturday in May, this year’s edition of the Nuit des Musées in Paris takes place May 13, 2023.

Approximately 30 museums and cultural spaces in Paris participate each year, from the world-famous Conciergerie to the lesser-known Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé (a great spot for movie lovers). Both private and public museums get involved, with events typically kicking off at 6pm and running till midnight or later.

Tens of thousands of people take part in the Parisian edition each year, so prepare for some lines and full metro cars. To avoid most of the crowds, go early in the evening or near the end of the night and choose the smaller museums such as the Musée National Eugène Delacroix or the Musée de la Musique of the Philharmonie rather than the more popular ones.

A map and programme for the event can be found on the Official Website of the Nuit des Musées (in French), but here are a few of our highlights for the Night of Museums Paris 2023:

• Centre Pompidou: For the 2023 edition of the Night of Museums, the Centre Pompidou is free to the public from 8pm – 1am. With surprise performances and DJ sets in addition to the usual exhibitions, it’s sure to be a fun way to discover this famous Paris modern art museum. No reservation required.

• Musée Nissim de Camondo: This beautiful hôtel particulier giving onto the Parc Monceau is one of our favorite small museums in Paris, and what could be better than getting in to see it illuminated at night (and for free!)? Reserve your spot here (in French).
• Maison de Victor Hugo: The Paris home of the famous French author reopened two years ago after extensive renovations. Now boasting a new garden and café as well a an immersive 360-experience of the Hugo home in Guernesey, this free museum is definitely worth a visit. No reservation required.

• Musée National Jean-Jacques Henner: A lovely and luxurious mansion-turned-museum, the Musée National Jean-Jacques Henner is one of the most underrated in Paris if you ask us. And if that’s not enough incentive to visit, the museum’s charming winter garden will host free piano concerts for the Nuit des Musées. Reserve your seats here.

• Musée du Luxembourg: Nestled in the Luxembourg Gardens, this little-known Paris museum is currently featuring an exhibition on pioneering female artists in the first half of the 20th century, Pionnières. The entry price is a bit steep given the size of the museum, usually 13.50€, but for the Night of the Museums, you can visit the exhibition for free from 7:30pm – 11:30pm.
• Musée des Arts et Métiers: Set in a former abbey, the Museum of Arts and Crafts offers interesting demonstrations and exhibitions for those interested in science and technology, including the original Foucault Pendulum. Its chapel is beautifully illuminated at night.

• Les Ateliers-Musée Chana Orloff: The small studio-museum of 20th-century female sculptor Chana Orloff offers an intimate and moving visit. On this exceptional evening, the some 200 works assembled in her former workshop and home will play a game of shadows.