Paris - France
On September 19 and 20, France will turn into an open museum, with the launch of the 43rd session of “European Heritage Days 2026”, which gives the public an exceptional opportunity to enter palaces, museums, institutions and historical sites, including places that are difficult to reach or remain closed to visitors most days of the year. The 2025 edition recorded about 7.4 million visits to more than 18,500 sites in France.

Photography and threatened heritage

This year's edition will be held under two themes: “Photographic Heritage”, coinciding with the celebration of the 200th anniversary of photography, and “Threatened Heritage: Revival, Resistance, Reimagining”, which highlights the impact of climate change and excessive tourism on historical sites, and ways to protect them for future generations.

From ministers' offices to restoration rooms

In Paris, the Palais Royal, headquarters of the Ministry of Culture, opens spaces including the Minister’s office and reception halls to the public for free. The "Mobilier National" also opens its stores and workshops for the restoration of furniture, carpets and textiles, while the Army Museum in the "Invalides" reveals historical halls that are not usually open to visitors.

Dati: 200 years of photography
French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati describes the celebration of the second centenary of photography as an opportunity to restore the history of this art and demonstrate the diversity of contemporary creativity, saying that the occasion celebrates “the history of this great art in France” and the country’s unique collections, in parallel with presenting the latest creative experiences.

An Arab window in the heart of Paris

The Arab tourist has a special stop at the Arab World Institute, which opens its doors for free during the weekend. The program includes an exhibition on Libyan heritage, pictures documenting Palestinian life, and the works of those nominated for the design award, in addition to the exhibition “Al-Ula... Designing a Living Territory,” which discusses the relationship between development, environmental protection, and heritage. Entrance is free, with reservations recommended for some activities.

For the visitor to Paris, the occasion provides a rare opportunity to see another side of the capital, away from its traditional tourist routes. The attraction this time is not only in the famous landmarks, but rather in what lies behind doors that do not usually open.