The best way to protect our heritage is to raise awareness of it and ensure that it is accessible. And every year, millions of visitors of all ages come together for the European Heritage Days and step inside exceptional sites and buildings that are usually closed to the general public.

The 2026 European Heritage Days
For its 43rd edition, the European Heritage Days will take place on Friday 18, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026, with the themes ‘photographic heritage’ and ‘heritage at risk: revive, resist, reimagine’. These days offer the opportunity to visit monuments and sites, many of which are open to the public on an exceptional basis.

From Friday 18 September, schoolchildren will be able to take part in the ‘Look Up!’ initiative, organised in partnership with the Ministry of Education. This popular event offers the public the chance to talk to heritage professionals and learn about their knowledge and expertise.