What is the Nuit Blanche?
Nuit Blanche is an arts and culture festival which, as the name implies, carries well through the night.
Who created Nuit Blanche?
Originally called The Night of the Arts, the festival was created in Helsinki, Finland, in 1989. The idea was a night “when every gallery, museum and bookshop is open until midnight or later. The whole city becomes one giant performance and carnival venue”. A year later this inspired the French to create their own version: “Les Allumées”, an art festival in Nantes that would run throughout the night.
A popular festival, it grew annually and internationally, even including outdoor concerts by giants such as the Rolling Stones! It was in 2001 that the Mayor of Paris combined various activities and created the Nuit Blanche as we know it today. The event was scaled back a little and focused on offerings only in Paris.
Who can participate?
The concept behind Nuit Blanche is to bring contemporary art and cultural activities to the general public. The festival transforms the urban landscape into an open-air art gallery. The event typically takes place overnight, from dusk until dawn. Museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions stay open all night to showcase a wide range of artistic installations, performances, and exhibitions. Everyone is welcome, everyone can participate. For more exclusive events it’s best to check the website to see if pre-registration is necessary. Normally, the majority of events are completely public.
Is it the same as the Long Night of Museums?
No, this is a separate cultural event. To learn more about the Long Night of Museums, check out our article on La Nuit des Musées.
What happens during the Nuit Blanche?
During Nuit Blanche, various artistic projects and performances taking place in public squares, parks, streets, and other unconventional locations. Artists, both local and international, are commissioned to create temporary installations and interactive artworks that engage with the urban environment and encourage public participation.
In addition to the temporary installations and performances, Nuit Blanche often features special exhibitions, guided tours, talks, workshops, and concerts. The event creates a festive and lively atmosphere, with many streets and public spaces filled with people exploring the art installations, engaging in discussions, and enjoying the night-time ambiance.