European Museum Night in the Loire

A night to rediscover museums differently

Created in 2005 by the Ministry of Culture, the European Museum Night is a major cultural event that takes place simultaneously throughout Europe. The objective is simple and ambitious: to open museums for free in the evening to allow as many people as possible to discover or rediscover collections in an unprecedented nocturnal atmosphere. In the Loire, several museums participate in this event, with a special program combining guided tours, activities, and artistic discoveries.

The Musée d'Allard in Montbrison: a heritage gem

The Musée d'Allard, located in the heart of Montbrison, the former capital of Forez, is one of the oldest museums in the Loire. Founded in 1860 thanks to the legacy of the naturalist Jean-Baptiste d'Allard, it houses remarkable collections:

• Natural history collections: mineralogy, ornithology, entomology, with rare specimens and 19th-century cabinets of curiosities
• Fine arts collections: paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the 16th to the 20th century
• Temporary exhibitions regularly renewed, juxtaposing contemporary art and heritage collections
• Ethnographic collection: objects illustrating the daily life and traditions of Forez

During the Museum Night, the Musée d'Allard offers a special program with guided tours, fun activities, and events that allow for a new look at its collections in the magic of the night.

A rich and varied program

The Museum Night in the Loire offers a diverse program each year, accessible to all audiences:

• Night guided tours with flashlights or candles, for an intimate discovery of the collections
• Temporary exhibitions with special openings for the occasion
• Creative workshops for children and families centered around the exhibited works
• Artistic performances: readings, concerts, live shows in the museum halls
• Sensory trails inviting a different approach to works of art

A free event open to all

The European Museum Night is an entirely free event, designed to attract new audiences and retain art and culture enthusiasts. The nocturnal atmosphere, special lighting, and activities create a unique atmosphere that transforms the visit into a true sensory experience.

In 2025, the Musée d'Allard in Montbrison welcomed visitors from 2 PM to 11 PM, with the exhibition “Histoire SURnaturelle” which invited exploration of Jean Fontaine's universe, between art, machines, and nature. The 2026 edition promises new surprises for the 22nd national edition of this unmissable event.

Beyond Montbrison, other museums in the Loire participate in the Museum Night: the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie and the MAMC+ in Saint-Étienne, the Musée Déchelette in Roanne, and the Parc-Musée de la Mine all contribute to making this evening a cultural highlight for the entire department.