European Night of the Museums – Touraine under the stars

Get ready for an exceptional evening during the 22ᵉ 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 free of charge*, 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 does not belong to a local authority.

For details of the programme and participating museums near you, visit the official website produced by the Ministry of Culture.

European Museum Night

Museums and places to discover during Museum Night

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours et son jardinTours

Musée du CompagnonnageTours

Muséum d'Histoire naturelleTours

Hôtel GoüinTours

Musée de Préhistoire du Grand-PressignyLe Grand-Pressigny

Tours in 2026

Enjoy an exceptional cultural evening in Tours! Push open the doors of the Musée des Beaux-Arts from 7pm to midnight, and let yourself be carried away by its fascinating collections, the exhibition devoted to Camille Claudel, a concert by the ensemble Consonance, and even a modelling workshop. Or take the whole family to the Musée du Compagnonnage to play with a Cocotte-défi, and to the Museum d’Histoire Naturelle to see theDrôles de Bêtes exhibition.

Explore the Centre de Création Contemporaine Olivier Debré CCC OD between 7pm and midnight and discover the current exhibitions, enhanced by a contemporary dance performance at 8.30pm and 9.15pm.

Finally, theHôtel Goüin invites the public to discover the urban art exhibition Happy Show, enhanced by a live graphic performance from 8pmby Koye, a graffiti artist from Tours.

In a nutshell on European Museum Night

Date to remember: 23 May 2026

The European Night of the Museums will be held on Saturday 23 May 2026.

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 in Le Grand-Pressigny, let yourself be carried away by the visual and sound mapping show put on by the Quart de Soupir company, between 6pm and 10pm,
video.

In Azay-le-Rideau, discover the Cité Rétro-Mécanique – Parc & Collection Maurice Dufresne and gain exceptional accessto the secret reserves: don’t forget to bring a torch! Packed lunches will be available from the museum restaurant on reservation.

You can also visit the Musée Lansyer in Loches and the Musée de l’Hôtel de Ville in Richelieu for a different kind of visit. At the Musée du Véron, you’re also invited to bring your own picnic for a convivial break under the stars!

A magical night awaits you… let yourself be surprised!