European Night of Museums

Visitors are able to visit a wide range of cultural sites, after hours and free of charge.

A UNESCO-backed initiative

Museums across France remain open, free of charge, to visitors until midnight as part of the French Ministry of Culture’s European Night of Museums initiative. Backed by UNESCO, this evening of culture enable visitors to experience some of the country’s finest cultural offerings in an entirely new light, quite literally. With guided tours, workshops, art installations, interactive activities, performances at tasting sessions, this is a whole new museum experience!

What’s on in Normandy

Challenge yourself to an evening escape game starting at 8pm at the Barbey d’Aurevilly Museum in Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte, or bring your torch and meet at the Maison du Parc in Saint-Côme-du-Mont for a night trek in the beautiful Cotentin and Bessin Marshes Regional Natural Park.

Take your pick from three guided tours at the Muséales de Tourouvre, which houses the Museum of French Emigration to Canada. Cross the Atlantic and relive the story of how ‘New France’, which stretched all the way from Louisiana to Quebec, was colonised in the 16th century, and how the people of the Perche in Normandy were among those to first emigrate to these unknown lands.

Watch artist and expert lace-maker Marjolaine Salvador-Morel demonstrate just what it takes to produce lace in her workshop at the Fine Arts and Lace Museum in Alençon. Undaunted by a large audience, experience Marjolaine’s magic in real time as she conjures up intricate lace creations before your eyes.

Immerse yourself in a murder mystery game at the Saint-Nicolas d’Aliermont Clock-Making Museum near Dieppe, where a museum visitor has met a gruesome end! Will you find out whodunnit?

Head to the Amateur Pianist Festival in Louviers and enjoy an 8pm concert, or if you happen to be in Bayeux, marvel at two original works by Gustave Caillebotte at the Baron Gérard Museum.of Art and History, one of which was only acquired by the museum this year.

The French Government and health authorities have announced the cancellation of all non-essential gatherings to control the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Events may be cancelled or postponed. Please check these events’ official websites or social media channels before undertaking any travel.