La Nuit Européenne des Musées--19 May

[rachel]

Imagine my surprise and delight to find out that the annual "Night of the European museums" was the weekend I was in town!

Here is the programme for Paris on Saturday, 19 May 2012:
nuitdesmusees.culture.fr/ville/?q=UGFyaXM,

So far it looks like most major museums are open for free from 6PM to various closing times (one was as early as 9PM, others open until 1AM).

Several have special exhibitions or events. Some highlights include:

Pompidou--free guided tours from 9:30PM-12:30AM
D'Orsay--Musical guests as well as a tour and explanation of the new exhibition spaces
Rodin--video installations throughout the night
Petit Palais--art and photography workshops for kids and an art lecture for adults
Grand Palais--several performances, film showings and lectures
Les Arts Decoratifs--jewelry making in conjunction with an exhibit

Has anyone gone to previous years' events? How do you plan your time?

Rachel

[jo]

This is our last night in Paris with Sebastian and I hope to take in some of the events, as long as the lineups are not too crazy.
We've been twice before ~ the first was in 2007, our first trip to Paris and our first night in Paris! We ended up just walking into the Louvre through the Pyramid and spending a few hours wandering the museum, with very little crowds.
The second time was in 2009 and word must have been out because the crowds were larger. We first tried to get into the Andy Warhol exhibit at the Grand Palais, but the lineup was over 3 hours long! We then walked across the river and headed to the Rodin Musuem, where we only waited a few minutes in line. They gave us flashlights mounted on headbands to see the darkened gardens and it was very cool.
I would just try to pick 2 or 3 events that are interesting to you, preferably with museums that are not too far from each other and see what happens.
I'm going to see which museums have child friendly events on the 20th and try to visit one or two.

Have a great trip!

Jo

[rachel]

Thanks Jo!

I just experienced Leipzig's museum night this past weekend and I made it to 5 museums in 6 hours. It was super fun, but I was exhausted! (I joked with my parents, "Aren't you glad your daughter is out museum-hopping late on a Saturday night instead of bar-hopping?")

Also thank you for reminding me about lining up! I've already done the 2 hour line up for D'Orsay...been there, done that, never again.

Have a FABULOUS time!

Rachel :-)

[phread]

It is hard to do five museums in one night in Paris because the lines can get very long. One year a true Paisienne took me to the Rodin exhibit, and she simply walked to the head of the line, refusing to wait. Worked for her, but I wouldn't try it on my own!

[geordy]

We have an event here called Museum Mile Night one night in June,
Slightly more manageable as all the museums are on 5th Ave within about 25 blocks...also street performers. Did 2 museums once..which really is all most people can absorb in a few hours!(they don't stay open that late) Nice time on a nice night.