
Recently, I came across a humourous meme that made me laugh. It went something like this: "Why aren't there any events held in museums at night?"...
... the punchline was, "We all know what goes on in museums after dark." While this joke may be lost on those who haven't seen the "Night at the Museum" movies, it still elicited a chuckle from me.
However, if you're looking for family-friendly "night at the museum" events, you're in luck. Many European museums participate in the European Night of the Museums on May 13th, 2023, and offer fun events suitable for children. It's an excellent opportunity for a weekend getaway with the family, and you're sure to create lasting memories.
Let’z have a look on the different options available around Luxembourg.
Belgium
Sensorial activity with Pyjamas and Flashlights at the Ecomusee du Viroin, Treighnes
Date: 27 May 2023
The Ecomusée of Viroin, located about 1.5 hours from Luxembourg, is organizing a delightful event for families to celebrate the European Night of the Museums 2023 on May 13th. From 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, children and their parents are invited to participate in a unique sensory activity with flashlights and pyjamas. Reservation for the event is mandatory, and here are the details as announced by the museum:
When the lights go out, funny things happen at the Ecomusée du Viroin... would the objects be... alive?
Out of their toolbox and wooden crates, hooves, saws, wheels, pliers, scissors, and company embark on their favorite big game.
Put on your best pajamas, you are invited to a very nice evening at the Ecomusée!

Parents are also welcome to join in on the fun and entertainment. Don't miss out on this memorable event that promises to delight both children and adults alike. Reserve your spot now!
Age group: Entertainment for ages 4-10
Location: 63, Eugène Defraire Street, 5670 Treignes
Timing: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Price: €5 per person
Reservation is mandatory.
Contact details:
Phone: +32(0)60 39 96 24
Email: info@ecomuseeduviroin.be
Address: 63 Eugène Defraire, 5670 Treignes
France
Museum-Aquarium de Nancy
Date: 13 May 2023
The museum aquarium of Nancy will offer a special entertainment programme for the whole family on 13 May, details here.
The museum has announced the following:
Next May 13th is the European Night of Museums at the Museum-Aquarium, the event not to be missed! A chance to enjoy the places in a whole different way, with an opening night and special entertainment
Several museums in Paris
If you were thinking for a weekend escape in Paris then the weekend of 13 May is great because many museums in the French capital will participate to the European Night of the Museums with free entry and children friendly activities. Some of our favourites include:
Musee Rosny Rail
Date: 13 May 2023
This museum is a hidden gem that even residents of the area may not know about. Spread across more than 250m², it is dedicated to showcasing the fascinating history of trains.
The exhibits on display include miniature trains, visitable cabins, and much more. A visit to this museum promises to be an enriching and enjoyable experience for all train enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
Time: From 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Address: 1 Place des Martyrs de la Résistance et de la Deportation 93110 Rosny Sous Bois
Entry is free.
Official Website:
rosny-rail.fr

Museum of Playing Cards, Paris
Date: 13 May 2023
This museum offers free admission on 13 May and features a special exhibition on Pokemon, making it the perfect destination for a fun-filled day out with the kids. Don't miss out on the chance to explore this fantastic museum and immerse yourself in the world of Pokemon!
All the information is here and here.
Address: Musée Français de la Carte à Jouer
16 rue Auguste Gervais, 92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux, Hauts-de-Seine, Île-de-France
Visit at UNESCO HQ, Paris
Date: 13 May 2023
On 13 May 2023, the doors of UNESCO in Paris will open for the European Night of Museums. Visitors are invited to not only admire the beautiful building but also to explore the impressive collection of modern art on display.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of contemporary art and enjoy a memorable evening at UNESCO.All details are here.
You can see the complete list for Paris here.
Germany
The main events closer to Luxembourg take place in Frankfurt, Offenbach and Eschborn.
As mentioned on the official website:
More than 40 cultural institutions in Frankfurt, Offenbach and Eschborn offer a rich cultural program as part of the NIGHT OF THE MUSEUMS 2023. Guided tours to the current exhibitions, performances, live music, film projections and workshops give the art the right setting and enable a multifaceted experience in an extraordinary atmosphere. Gastronomic offers complete the program. The NIGHT OF THE MUSEUMS is one of the permanent institutions of Frankfurt's cultural events in the spring.
One of the museums that caught our attention is the Dialogue Museum which aims to inspire visitors with a more inclusive approach.
As explained in detail:
The heart of the museum is the "Dialogue in the Dark - an exhibition on the discovery of the invisible": blind or visually impaired experts guide small groups of visitors through the dark exhibition. An incomparable role reversal is created that trains the senses and empathy and makes inclusion directly tangible.
Useful Links:
http://www.museen-ticket.de/ndm/
Netherlands
Night at the Museum in Venlo
Date: 20 May 2023
Who: Children from 8 to 12 years
Time: 8.30pm to 10.30pm.
As described on the museum’s page:
During this event, the museum comes to life. Get to know the different characters who live in the museum, hear their stories and learn about the past.
This evening costs €7.95 including lemonade and snacks.
We hope that more museums will organise events specifically aimed at kids and families, as they can be a fantastic source of learning and entertainment. These events can foster a love of learning, inspire creativity, and spark curiosity, leaving a lasting impact on young minds. Let's encourage museums to continue to provide enriching experiences for the whole family.
And as always enjoy and Let’z TravelmatKanner.