European Museums’ Night: free & open to all

Get ready for an exceptional evening during the 21ᵉ edition of the European Night of the Museums

This not-to-be-missed event offers you a unique opportunity to discover or rediscover participating museums for free*, in a festive night-time atmosphere. More than 3,000 museums across France and Europe will be opening their doors for enriching tours, special exhibitions, concerts, shows and much more. Whether you’re passionate about art, history, science or just plain curious, this night is the perfect opportunity to explore the richness of our cultural heritage. Don’t miss this major cultural event, which attracts millions of visitors every year.

*with the exception of the Musée Rétro-Mécanique Maurice Dufresne, which is not owned by a local authority.

For details of the programme and participating museums near you, visit the official website of the European Night of the Museums.

Find out more

Museums and places to discover during Museum Night

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours et son jardin

Hôtel Oceania l'Univers Tours

Le Turon

Musée du Compagnonnage

Hôtel Ronsard

La Deuvalière

Musée de Préhistoire du Grand-Pressigny

Cité Rétro-Mécanique - Parc & Collection Maurice Dufresne

Hôtel Val de Loire

Le Grand Monarque

Château de Rochecotte****

Auberge de la Route d'or

Musée Lansyer

Brit Hôtel Confort Loches

The programme in Tours in 2024 (details of the 2025 programme to come)

Note: Specific information about participating museums in Indre-et-Loire for the 2025 edition is not yet available.

In Tours, experience an exceptional cultural evening! Push open the doors of the Musée des Beaux-Arts from 7pm and let yourself be carried away by its fascinating collections and its mini-concerts of contemporary music until midnight. Head to the Musée du Compagnonnage to admire choreographed strolls by the NAO dance company.

Explore the CCCOD between 7pm and 11pm and discover its four exhibitions of the moment, enhanced by an artistic performance in the early evening. Don’t miss the Château de Tours, where three captivating exhibitions await you: Ombres Chinoises, Scenery by Claire Chevrier and Manouches.

In a nutshell on European Museum Night

Date to remember: 17 May 2025

The European Night of the Museums will be held on Saturday 17 May 2025.

Free admission to museums

Take advantage of the free night-time opening of many museums.

Special events and exhibitions

Discover a varied programme including concerts, shows and original exhibitions.

Elsewhere in Touraine, extend the experience!

At the Musée de la Préhistoire du Grand-Pressigny, explore history between 6pm and 10pm, punctuated by a percussion concert.At Azay-le-Rideau, discover the Musée Rétro-Mécanique – Collection Maurice Dufresne and gain exceptionallyaccess to the secret reserves! Enjoy a picnic hamper at the museum restaurant (booking recommended) and don’t forget to bring a tablecloth and a torch.

At Huismes, plunge into the surrealist world of the Maison Max Ernst et Dorothea Tanning. Two guided tours await you at 6pm and 8.30pm (book on 06 89 93 52 23 or at info@maison-max-ernst.org).

Push open the doors of the Musée Lansyer in Loches too, the Musée de Richelieu for a dramatised tour, and the Musée du Véron. And why not bring your picnic for a convivial break under the stars?

A magical night awaits you… Prepare your route and let yourself be surprised!