Once per year, there is a night where the last thing you would like to do is to sleep. We are referring to the European Night of Museums, an event that is celebrated since 2005 and allows the public to visit the participating museums for free. It is celebrated in the whole France on the same date. In 2018, it will be on the night of May 19. We suggest that you celebrate this event in France, where more than 1,200 museums will do their best to avoid that anyone goes to bed early.
With our Renfe-SNCF in Cooperation trains, you can reach the main cities France in only a few hours. You will travel at high speed and in a very comfortable way, and once you arrive, a very intense night full of activities awaits you!
What will be offered during the European Night of Museums?
As its names reveals, this event, which in 2018 is already celebrating its 14th edition, focuses on museums, but also on animations, dramatized visits, games, creative workshops, live shows, tastings, etc. From 6 pm onwards, numerous museums from all over France will be open until midnight, welcoming visitors of all ages. The European Night of Museums is for everyone. In the prior edition, more than 300 museums in France, attempted to bring this event to the children's audience with a large programme designed for the youngest visitors.
The new edition will be even more special, since it will be held within the framework of the European Year for Cultural Heritage 2018, an initiative that aims to highlight France's heritage.
During the evening session, all the participating museums will combine a visit to their collections with shows, talks and other activities designed for everyone to enjoy the culture.
Participating museums
In the last French edition about 1,200 museums were involved and more than 3,000 activities were organized. Below, you can find out more about some of the public spaces that will open their doors after the sunset.
Photos of the Pompidou Centre
In Paris
We can enjoy the main treasures of the Louvre Museum in an unusual time, such as La Gioconda or the unique worldwide collection of Egyptian antiques. The Musée d'Orsay, the Pompidou Centre, the Musée des Arts et Métiers and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, among many others, will open their doors.
In Lyon
The Museum of Fine Arts will be open on May 19 until late at night. Thus, visitors will be able to contemplate its extraordinary collections of ancient art, paintings, medals and sculptures.
In Toulouse
In the capital of Occitanie several museums will not close until midnight. Some of them are the Museum of the Augustinians, the Museum of Natural History or the Museum of Old Toulouse, locations that become especially magical when the sun sets.
The European Night of Museums will be held in every corner of France, including Avignon, Marseille and Montpellier.
Come and experience the most cultural night of the year in France. Take one of our Renfe-SNCF in Cooperation trains, which will bring you at high speed to your destination.
