An Enlightening Evening in Paris with La Nuit des Musées

30 April 2014

From the decorative arts to dancing, La Nuit des Musées offers an unforgettable evening in Paris

Paris under the stars has a certain sparkle, an unmatchable magic that never disappoints. Imagine the excitement then, if the abundance of artistic expression and culture the city offers in the day is drawn out until midnight for one night only. Celebrating its 10th year La Nuit des Musées, allows free entry on Saturday the 17th of May to a seemingly endless list of exhibits and experiences, designed to deliver the most enlightening of evenings.

There will not be a more perfect time to look around the Louvre or peruse through the Pompidou, however for those already well acquainted with many of their works of art, we've picked a few of our favourite experiences and exhibits for an enjoyable evening...

For the followers of fashion, don't miss out on free entry to "Dries Van Noten, Inspirations" at Les Arts Décoratifs. The very first exhibition devoted to the Belgian fashion designer is an invitation to see his complete creative process; from his endless inspirations to catwalk creations. Through mixed media including photography, film and music, as well as a range of French and international artworks, the evening will inspire the wish list for a new wardrobe.

If the theatre sounds tempting, "The Three Musketeers" returns to the Musée Carnavalet for its second season. Following on from its success at the same event last year, D'Artagnan returns with five episodes inspired by Alexandre Duma's popular novel. From royalty and romance to duels and danger, every scene will be set in the grand gardens of the museum that exhibits the history of the city.

Why not dance in the night away at the Musée d'Orsay? In partnership with the Théâtre National de Chaillot, nearly 100 years of art will be showcased combining fancy footwork from the classics to the contemporary. With Renoir, Degas and Toulouse-Lautrec through to modern interpretations from choreographer José Montalvo, who is currently touring with his humourous tribute to Crevantes' masterpiece, Don Quichotte Du Trocadéro. Montalvo will be offering the unique opportunity to learn steps with him, so dancing shoes should directed across the Seine for a night to remember.

Music will definitely be the food of love at the Musée de la Vie Romantique, where a romantic musical anthology will be played in the workshop room. Featuring Shubert's The Shepherd on the Rock, Schumann's Fantasiestücke and Spohr's Lieder for tenor, violin and piano, performed by Fusako Kondo with Billy Eidi on the piano and the accompaniment of the students of Philippe Ferro, the evening is set to enchant in the city of love.

For those in the know, Bill Viola's largest retrospective exhibition at the Grand Palais is unmissable and especially unforgivable with free entry. Based on a journey, the video artist's work from the past 40 years is showcased not chronologically, but emotionally. With 20 works that take age-old themes and transform them into modern meditative masterpieces, there's been no better time to absorb the arts in Paris.

If you're planning your trip to Paris for mid-May, take advantage of our best available rates. Perfectly situated for many of the must-see museums and oozing with original features, our fitting name of Beau Manoir will combine chic with charm for your enlightening escape.