Paris Museums at Night

Centre Pompidou 

There’s something magical and mysterious about museums late at night, the privileged access to the usually forbidden. There are plenty of Paris museums with extended evening hours. Here’s a list of just a few, plus some dinner suggestions to make it a full night on the town. The City of Light is at its best when the sun goes down. 

The Louvre

The Louvre photo via from Paris.com

The most intimidating of the big museums, the Louvre is a great one to tackle at night. The day’s long lines are a mere memory, letting you explore at a more leisurely pace. Of course, that doesn’t solve the problem of how to see everything in this expansive museum. You can’t, so target one section before heading for dinner or drinks. Hours for night owls: Until 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Dinner destination: If you want to splurge and can actually snag a reservation, the much-lauded Spring is nearby. Otherwise, try Le Fumoir for a sophisticated cocktail spot. The library in back is particularly cozy. Spring Restaurant 6, rue Bailleul, in the 1st Arrondissement. 01 45 96 05 72. Tues–Sat, dinner; Thurs–Sat, lunch. Le Fumoir 6, rue de L’Amiral Coligny. 01 42 92 00 24. Daily, 11 a.m.–2 a.m.

The Musée d’Orsay

The Orsay dining room, photo via Jet setting Joyce.com 

Across the river, the Musée d’Orsay is a friendlier option than the Louvre. Take an evening trip to this former railroad station and you won’t be disappointed. In addition to works by Van Gogh and Matisse, the museum boasts an Impressionist collection that is second to none. Hours for night owls: Until 9:45 p.m. on Thursdays. Dinner destination: The restaurant in the Musée d’Orsay is as classy as its collection. Order a bottle of Sancerre and stare at the beautiful surroundings.

Centre Pompidou

Georges in the Pompidou, via Wikipedia

If modern art is more your thing, the Pompidou is a major must-see. With the permanent collection open until 9 p.m. even on regular days, the museum always offers art in the evening, as well as one of the best views of Paris. Extended hours until 11 p.m. often accompany special exhibitions. Hours for night owls: Until 9 p.m. Wednesdays to Mondays. Dinner destination: You can always try the chic Georges at the top of the museum, but go back down to ground level and head out for crêpes to save some cash. Crêperie Beaubourg is right next door, but if you’re willing to take a short walk through the Marais, Breizh Café is an even better bet for excellent crêpes, oysters, cider and other delicacies from Brittany. Restaurant Georges Place Georges Pompidou (6th floor of Centre Pompidou), in the 4th. 01 44 78 47 99. Breizh Café 109, rue Vieille du Temple, in the 3rd. 01 42 72 13 77. Wed–Sat, noon–11 p.m. Sun, noon–10 p.m.

The Musée d’Art Moderne and the Palais de Tokyo

Palais de Tokyo 

For the super ambitious, there are two museums that showcase contemporary work sitting side by side. Plan a double bill on a Thursday night, when the Musée d’Art Moderne stays open until 10 p.m. (exhibitions only); the Palais de Tokyo is always open noon to midnight. Expect abstract art, cutting-edge media installations and the best from today’s contemporary scene. Hours for night owls: Musée d’Art Moderne: until 10 p.m. Thursdays. Palais de Tokyo: until midnight Tuesdays to Sundays. Dinner destination: No need to stray far, since the Palais de Tokyo houses several eating options: the funky restaurant Tokyo Eat; and Monsieur Bleu offering exceptional panoramic views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. Make reservations early and request the terrace from May to September! Tokyo Eat 01 47 20 00 29. Monsieur Bleu 20, ave de New York in the 16th arr. 01 47 20 90 47.

Open everyday from 12pm to 2am. Sion Dayson is an American writer living in Paris. She blogs about the quirkier side of the City of Light at paris (im)perfect.

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