There are nights when major cities pulse with a completely different energy. People of all ages, families, and groups of friends turn the streets into exploration routes, letting themselves be captivated by the mysteries of museums. In Romania, the Night of Museums (Noaptea Muzeelor) has become one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year.

How Did the Story Begin?

Today, it seems completely natural to spend a Saturday night at the beginning of summer exploring museums until dawn. However, this habit is relatively recent. It all officially started in 1997 in Berlin under the name "Lange Nacht der Museen" (Long Night of Museums). The concept was as simple as it was ingenious: attracting a new audience to galleries through a unique and vibrant nighttime experience. The success was meteoric—Berliners were instantly won over by the unique atmosphere, midnight guided tours, and spectacularly lit exhibits.

The movement expanded rapidly. In 1999, the French Ministry of Culture entered the game, and in 2005, the Council of Europe officially took over the event, launching "Nuit Européenne des Musées" (European Night of Museums). In Romania, the tradition began in the early 2000s. The core idea has remained the same: museums shouldn't be boring spaces filled with dusty objects, but lively places, perfect for the community, attracting even those who don't have time for culture during the day due to work or school.

Important information about this year's event

The Night of Museums is organized by the National Network of Romanian Museums (RNMR) with the support of the Ministry of Culture. It is a massive project at a European level, and this year, over 300 institutions are opening their doors across Romania. The event takes place on Saturday, May 23, with the official program running between 6:00 PM and 2:00 AM (though exact hours may vary from place to place). Access to most activities is free. In exceptional cases where an entry ticket is required, the cost is clearly mentioned in the program. For full details and an interactive map, visit the official website at noapteamuzeelor.org.

The coolest part is that even though the name makes you think only of classic buildings, the concept has changed over the years. Now, a ton of places that aren't necessarily traditional museums are participating, bringing unforgettable experiences for those who want a nighttime adventure.

Where to Go? – Recommendations from Different Corners of the Country

Károlyi Castle

The Károlyi Castle in Carei awaits visitors with unique cultural experiences and special programs for the Night of Museums. The history of the castle began in 1482, when László Láncz Károlyi built a stone house here with the permission of King Matthias Corvin. Due to the Ottoman threat, the building was transformed into a fortified border fortress with bastions in 1592. The fortress also played an important role in Rákóczi's War of Independence, and in 1711, the details for the historic Treaty of Satu Mare were negotiated right within its walls. The castle gained its current knight-castle look in the Neo-Gothic-Neo-Baroque style in 1894, when it was completely rebuilt by Count István Károlyi based on the plans of Miklós Ybl and under the coordination of Artúr Meinig.

For the Night of Museums, you can see a rare weapon exhibition here (swords from the 18th-20th centuries) and archaeological pieces from the Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages, brought out specially from the museum's vaults. For nature lovers, the doors of the natural history storage room will exceptionally open—a rare opportunity to explore a secret space that is usually closed to the public during the rest of the year. In addition to the painting gallery in the bastion, you can head up to check out a superb panorama of the city. The fun continues outside, too, in the castle park, where a guided night walk is organized.

(Source: Castle Trip)

Târgu Mureș Zoo

Who said the Night of Museums is only about paintings and history? One of the most unique attractions this year is the Târgu Mureș Zoo, located on the Cornești Plateau. On Saturday, May 23, between 7:00 PM and 2:00 AM, you can see what the animals do at night. The schedule is packed: from 7:00 PM until midnight, you can watch the public feeding of pelicans, lions, bats, and elephants every hour. If the sky is clear, you can gaze at the stars through professional telescopes while a DJ plays great music in the background. Plus, starting at 9:00 PM, the pathways will be festively lit, creating a magical atmosphere. Access is allowed either based on the official Mureș County Museum wristband or by purchasing a bilet directly at the entrance.

(Source: Fermoar)

MINA Timișoara

If you want technology and modern art, you have to go to MINA (Museum of Immersive New Art) in Iulius Town Timișoara. This digital art space is open on Saturday, May 23, between 20:00 and 02:00 (last entry is at 01:30) with a spectacular show called "Time Travel through Art." Practically, you visit the world's largest museums in a single day. You will virtually walk through the halls of the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Vatican Museums, Tate, Guggenheim, and the Prado. Thanks to the massive projections, the masterpieces of legendary artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Wassily Kandinsky, and Henri Matisse come to life on the walls all around you. Spots are limited, so it's best to grab your ticket online from their website.

(Source: MINA Museum)

The Romanian Athenaeum

For classical music fans, Bucharest comes with a top-tier proposal: the George Enescu Philharmonic and the George Enescu National Museum are teaming up at the Romanian Athenaeum. On Saturday, May 23, between 10:00 PM and midnight, you can visit this gorgeous building—a true national symbol—for free. An extraordinary piano concert by Andrei Licareț begins in the Grand Hall at 10:00 PM. Additionally, you can see the temporary exhibition "George Enescu and Yehudi Menuhin – Milestones of an Artistic Friendship." Admission is free, but spots fill up fast, so an online reservation is required beforehand.

(Source: George Enescu Philharmonic)

Craiova Art Museum

If you want to admire art in a grandiose historical setting, visit the Craiova Art Museum, located in the splendid Jean Mihail Palace—a visual experience you cannot miss! On Saturday, May 23, between 4:00 PM and midnight, the gates of this spectacular Baroque palace open completely free of charge. The biggest highlight of the evening is, without a doubt, the Constantin Brâncuși Cabinet. This museum boasts one of the first Brâncuși collections in the world, so you can see the original works of the genial sculptor up close. Besides that, in the lit halls of the Romanian Art Gallery, you can stroll among the works of legendary painters like Nicolae Grigorescu, Ștefan Luchian, or Nicolae Tonitza.

(Source: Planiada)

Whether you are in the mood for a classic museum filled with history, or you want something interactive, modern, or an experience in nature, the Night of Museums has options for everyone all over the country. Plan smart: fun in the city, total relaxation afterward! Book your weekend accommodation on stayhere.ro and enjoy a long night, knowing that the most comfortable bed in town is waiting for you. Don't leave everything to the last minute!