Europe’s Cultural Celebration: European Night of Museums, a magical night where art comes alive
Only once a year, in May, you have the chance to spend a night in a museum. This event is called the European Night of Museums. This year, it will take place on Saturday, May 17th.
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A Unique Experience
The concept is simple and effective: from dusk until midnight, participating
museums open their doors to everyone and for free!
One goal: “to reveal to citizens the richness of French and European heritage in a new light… at night.”
The first edition originated from a German initiative in 1997 to open museums for a night. The idea quickly spread across the continent, and in 2005, the French Ministry of Culture launched the European Night of Museums.
Since 2005, with the support of the Council of Europe, UNESCO, the International Council of Museums, and many other partners, the Night of Museums has become a major success in promoting culture to the wider public.
Thousands of museums in more than 30 countries take part in this special event.
Not only do they open their doors for free, but they also showcase their exhibits in a different light, quite literally. Many museums organize concerts, workshops, and interactive activities, allowing visitors to experience culture from a new and dynamic perspective.
For example, the Musée d'Orsay in Paris has previously offered live jazz performances in its Impressionist galleries, while the National Museum in Warsaw hosted late-night art workshops for children and families.
Each year, the event is held on a weekend in May. Sometimes there is a specific theme, such as education or research, and sometimes there isn't. One thing is certain: the European Night of Museums is an excellent way for people to discover - or rediscover - culture from an original point of view. The fact that it is a free event encourages visitors to explore different museums and appreciate the diversity and richness of cultural heritage.
Of course, spending an evening at the Louvre sounds magical, but this night also offers a great opportunity to explore smaller, yet equally meaningful and fascinating museums across the country, especially outside major cities.
Moreover, it helps democratize access to the incredible cultural wealth found in museums throughout Europe, which is not always available to everyone at standard ticket prices throughout the year.
Check out official websites of museums you want to visit and you will see their full program of events.
And if you’re not in Europe that weekend, don’t worry! Come visit the Francophone Museum at the Alliance Française de San Francisco, open from Tuesday to Saturday. Entry is free!
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