As the Night of Museums 2025 approaches, the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is preparing to offer an unforgettable cultural experience. This opening night, which will take place on May 17, invites visitors on a unique journey through a selection of iconic museums, where art and history come to life. Whether you are passionate about contemporary art, natural history, or mythology, the establishments in this department are bursting with treasures to explore. Here’s a captivating overview.
The Alexandra David-Néel House: between exploration and Japanese culture
The Alexandra David-Néel House, located in Digne-les-Bains, reflects a life of adventures and discoveries. For this Night of Museums, the establishment transforms into a true sanctuary of Japanese culture, in partnership with the Guimet Museum. From 6 PM to 10 PM, the Japanese atmosphere permeates the venue thanks to a rich and varied program.
An enchanting program
The evening will be punctuated by interactive and immersive activities. Visitors can participate in a Japanese Taiko drum concert, presented by the Makoto group, accompanied by students from the Sèbe school. This rhythmic performance will captivate spectators and immerse them in the artistic world of Japan.
Among the other attractions of the evening, the audience is invited to play a game inspired by “Werewolf,” reworked around the yōkai, those fascinating creatures from Japanese folklore. This playful initiative is designed to awaken curiosity and enrich participants’ knowledge of Japanese heritage.
Exhibition of treasures from the Guimet Museum
In parallel with the performances, a special exhibition will showcase invaluable artworks from the Guimet Museum. Visitors will be able to admire samurai armor and consult rare documents brought back by Alexandra David-Néel herself during her journey to Japan in 1917. This blend of art, folklore, and history makes this house an essential stop during the Night of Museums.
Practical information: Alexandra David-Néel House, 27 Avenue du Maréchal Juin, Digne-les-Bains; 6 PM to 10 PM, free entry. For more information, contact 04 92 31 32 38.
A journey through time at the Prehistory Museum of the Gorges du Verdon
For history and science enthusiasts, the Prehistory Museum of the Gorges du Verdon offers an immersion into a million years of human history. This year again, the museum participates in the Night of Museums, with free entry from 6 PM to 8 PM. It’s a unique opportunity to explore the permanent exhibitions as well as an engaging temporary exhibition titled “Get Out of Your Reserve!”
Demonstrations of prehistoric techniques
Starting at 8:30 PM, the museum will offer fascinating demonstrations of prehistoric techniques. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness fire-starting and flint knapping demonstrations. These activities are perfectly suited for families, providing a playful and educational approach to the ancestral know-how that has shaped our civilization.
Enjoying free access
The Night of Museums provides the opportunity to discover marine fossils and other prehistoric wonders at no cost. This initiative makes culture accessible to all, fostering both curiosity and commitment to the preservation of our collective history.
Practical information: Visit the Prehistory Museum of the Gorges du Verdon in Quinson, from 6 PM to 8 PM, free entry. For more details, contact them at 04 92 74 09 59.
Culture and nature at the Promenade Museum
Nestled in the heart of nature, the Promenade Museum in Digne-les-Bains is the perfect setting to immerse yourself in contemporary art and nature. For the Night of Museums, the museum offers an exceptional evening starting at 8 PM, combining nighttime strolls and guided tours of exhibitions.
Nocturnal walk and conviviality
Visitors are invited to bring their lamps to explore the Saint-Benoît park alongside a museum mediator. In the light of the lamps, this immersive stroll allows the discovery of contemporary art installations, creating a magical and mysterious atmosphere. This interactive journey will appeal to art lovers and families in search of an original outing.
Exploring temporary exhibitions
Afterward, the evening continues with a guided tour of the exhibition “Water Seekers” by Feda Wardak. This exhibition will address themes related to water and its importance in our ecosystem. The presence of Charles Garcin, head of CAIRN, will add an enriching dimension to this exploration. Participants will thus have the opportunity to learn while having fun.
Practical information: Promenade Museum, Digne-les-Bains, from 8 PM to 11 PM, free entry. For more information, connect with 04 92 36 70 70.
Traditions and know-how at the Salagon Museum
The Salagon Museum, housed in a medieval convent, will delight lovers of local traditions. This museum, with its ethnobotanical gardens, will transport you to a realm where history intertwines with living cultural practices. For the Night of Museums, various activities are planned starting from 6 PM, aimed at promoting regional traditions.
Fun activities and live performance
The evening will be filled with games and activities in the gardens. Families can enjoy outdoor animations and guided tours, highlighting the cultural heritage of the region. One of the highlights of this night will be the show “Fallen from the Sky,” presented by the B.A.L. company, which combines theater, poetry, and gardening, creating an immersive and poetic experience.
A moment of sharing under the stars
The public will be invited to follow musicians and actors through the garden, discovering canvases of silent art, each portraying stories staged. This event is a perfect example of the marriage between culture, nature, and conviviality that the Salagon Museum offers.
Practical information: Salagon Museum, Prieuré, Mane, opening at 6 PM, free entry. For more information, please consult the establishment’s website or contact 04 92 75 70 50.
Exploration of Antiquity at the Archaeological Crypt of Digne-les-Bains
The Archaeological Crypt of Digne-les-Bains offers a fascinating dive into ancient history. For this Night of Museums, the establishment will welcome visitors from 8 PM to midnight, with an immersive program dedicated to the reconstruction of the city in Roman times.
Projection and immersive concert
A continuous screening of the short film “On the Traces of Dinia” will allow visitors to discover Digne-les-Bains in Roman times, enriching the experience for the curious. This film, supported by the European Union, has been made to immerse the viewer in the heart of ancient history.
The Palace Duo Rock group will also animate the evening with a captivating concert, adding a festive dimension to this cultural event. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a herbal tea from the Chamois, offered to everyone, to extend this evening under the banner of history.
Practical information: Archaeological Crypt, Digne-les-Bains, open free of charge from 8 PM to midnight. For further information, contact 04 92 31 67 77.
Myths and legends in Castellane
To conclude this Night of Museums rich in discoveries, the Nature and Heritage House in Castellane will offer an evening focused on myths and beliefs. With the theatrical performance “The Little Mythologies,” families will be able to rediscover Greek legends while enjoying an exciting temporary exhibition.
A playful learning experience
This performance, which will take place from 5 PM to 7 PM, will plunge young and old into the mythological universe through the tales of Ulysses, Jason and the Argonauts, and Icarus. The rich and captivating stories are sure to spark interest among newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Fascinating temporary exhibition
Visitors will also be invited to explore the exhibition “Sacred Beliefs!”, which depicts the rituals and superstitions deeply rooted in the cultural landscape of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. This educational aspect will allow for a better understanding of the historical and cultural roots of the region.
Practical information: Nature and Heritage House, Castellane, from 4 PM to 10 PM, free entry. More information available at 04 92 83 19 23.
