European Museum Night 2026 in Menton: the Bastion comes alive with dance, storytelling and performances until midnight

Menton celebrates the 2026 European Museum Night with a special evening dedicated to art, dance and contemporary culture. On Saturday, May 23, the Bastion will exceptionally remain open until midnight, offering a program that blends immersive storytelling, live performances and artistic experiences in the heart of the city.

The event is part of the European Nuit Européenne des Musées, a cultural initiative that each year brings together museums and artistic institutions across Europe with special late-night openings and public events.

At the Bastion in Menton: the narrated tour “Les voyages de Lisbeth”

One of the highlights of the evening is “Les voyages de Lisbeth”, a narrated tour scheduled at 7:00 p.m. at the Bastion of Menton.

Led by Véronique St Marcel, the experience offers an immersive journey designed specifically for Museum Night, combining storytelling, atmosphere and the discovery of the museum spaces.

To prepare for the event, the museum will temporarily close between 6:00 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. before reopening for the evening program.

Jean Cocteau’s “Parade” returns on the Esplanade Francis Palmero

From 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Esplanade Francis Palmero will host one of the most anticipated moments of the evening: a reinterpretation of “Parade”, the iconic ballet created by Jean Cocteau.

The performance is presented by Compagnie Specimen, an artistic company led by choreographer Agathe Paré-Comont and director Arma Lux.

Through a hybrid artistic language combining contemporary dance, theatre and cinema, the company offers a modern reinterpretation of Cocteau’s work, marked by strong aesthetic research and a poetic visual universe.

Museum open until midnight for European Museum Night

Throughout the evening, the Bastion will remain open for free visits until midnight, allowing visitors to experience the museum in a unique nighttime atmosphere.

European Museum Night is one of the most important cultural events on the French Riviera, offering immersive experiences that highlight artistic heritage through multidisciplinary performances.

With this special program, Menton reaffirms its role as a city of culture and creativity, hosting an event that brings together heritage, contemporary art and live performance.