Free museums in Paris: what to visit during Heritage Days 2026?

Free museums in Paris: what to visit during European Heritage Days 2026

In September, Paris gradually shifts into a different gear. The light takes on a golden hue, the outdoor cafés regain a sense of calm after the summer, and, for the duration of a weekend, certain doors that are usually off-limits open to the public.

On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026, the European Heritage Days return for their 43rd edition. Museums, monuments, institutions and venues that are sometimes usually closed invite visitors to see Paris in a different light, through unusual tours, encounters and special openings.

For those looking for free museums in Paris, this is therefore one of the most interesting weekends of the year. But rather than rushing from one arrondissement to another, why not choose a few places, take a stroll between visits and make time to enjoy the city?

From Maison Mère, our lifestyle hub nestled in the 9th arrondissement, we’ve put together a few ideas to help you plan a cultural weekend at your own pace.

 

 

Free museums in Paris: what to visit during Heritage Days 2026? ©Free museums in Paris: what to visit during Heritage Days 2026? Paris Upside Down


Musée de la Vie romantique: kick off the weekend in artists’ Paris


For your first outing, there’s no need to go very far. The Musée de la Vie romantique, situated on Rue Chaptal in the 9th arrondissement, is one of those places that seems to have preserved a little slice of 19th-century Paris.

Housed in the former home of the painter Ary Scheffer, during Heritage Days the museum offers walks through the ‘New Athens’ neighbourhood, presentations of its collections, tours centred on George Sand, as well as musical interludes dedicated in particular to Chopin, Brahms and Liszt. Some tours require advance booking.

This is undoubtedly our favourite choice for a gentle start: an artist’s house, a garden, a few notes from the piano and the streets of the 9th arrondissement right on the doorstep.

Musée Carnavalet Paris ©Musée Carnavalet Paris

Carnavalet Museum: a journey through the history of Paris

To understand Paris, head to the Marais and the Carnavalet Museum – History of Paris.

During the 2026 European Heritage Days, the museum is offering free guided tours focusing on its must-see works and some of its more unusual artefacts. On Saturdays, several tours are available subject to availability; on Sundays, the conservation teams present a selection of works directly to the public.

It’s a wonderful way to put the streets you’ve just walked through into context: revolutionary Paris, fashionable Paris, working-class Paris… it’s as if several cities are hidden behind a single one.

 

 

Institut du Monde arabe - Paris ©Institut du Monde arabe - Paris

Arab World Institute: heritage, architecture and photography

On the Left Bank, the Arab World Institute is also opening its doors wide on 19 and 20 September.

Collections, exhibitions, talks, workshops and events are advertised as free and open to all, though booking is recommended. The 2026 programme highlights, in particular, the bicentenary of photography and the issue of heritage at risk.

We love visiting it as much for the programme as for the building itself: an ideal stop for those who enjoy exploring the interplay between contemporary architecture, culture and history.

Bourdelle Museum: step inside an artist’s studio

Further south, on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, the Bourdelle Museum is offering free tours and workshops centred on its collections, the building’s architecture and artistic craftsmanship.

Housed in the former studios of the sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, the museum allows visitors to move almost seamlessly from the exhibition rooms to the studios and the garden. Several Heritage Days activities are available by booking.

A particularly pleasant place if you prefer artist’s studios and intimate spaces to large institutions.

 

Musée Bourdelle - Paris ©Musée Bourdelle - Paris

FAQ – Free museums in Paris


Which museums are free in Paris during Heritage Days 2026?
On 19 and 20 September 2026, several museums are offering free tours or events, including the Musée des Arts et Métiers, the Carnavalet, the Musée Bourdelle and the Arab World Institute. However, some activities require advance booking.

Do you need to book in advance for free museums in Paris during Heritage Days?
It depends on the venue and the activity. Some tours are open to all, whilst others are available by booking only or subject to availability. It is advisable to check the official programme a few days before your visit.

Which free museums in Paris are best to visit with the family?
The Musée des Arts et Métiers is particularly suitable for families thanks to its collections dedicated to inventions, science and technology. The Musée Carnavalet can also be a wonderful way to introduce children and teenagers to the history of Paris.

Where to stay in Paris to make the most of Heritage Days?
The 9th arrondissement is a convenient base from which to explore Paris’s various cultural districts. Maison Mère, at 7 Rue Mayran, offers easy access to Nouvelle Athènes, the Grands Boulevards, the Marais and the Left Bank.