Before the Night of Museums, monuments across France open their doors for three exceptional nocturnal events

The crowdfunding platform Dartagnans is launching the 2026 edition of "Nuit des monuments" (Night of Monuments) from April 17 to 19 across France. This initiative opens dozens of privately owned historic sites, many of which are usually closed to the public, for unique nocturnal experiences including lantern-lit tours, puzzle games, and immersive light displays. Notable participants include the Château de Cercamp, the Château de la Matray, and the Fondation Vasarely in Aix-en-Provence.

This event highlights a growing trend in heritage preservation where crowdfunding and private ownership intersect with public engagement. By positioning these sites as tourist destinations through "immersive experiences," the organizers aim to fund the restoration of crumbling estates while offering a private-sector alternative to state-run cultural events like the Nuit des musées. The inclusion of the Fondation Vasarely specifically bridges the gap between historic architectural preservation and the appreciation of 20th-century optical art.