Musée de Cluny: a festival of Living Arts to be discovered in a medieval setting this weekend

This weekend, a living arts festival takes place in a place steeped in history in the heart of Paris. The Collège des Bernardins, an emblematic medieval monument in the 5th arrondissement, is hosting this unique event from March 20 to 22, 2026. A rare opportunity to experience live performances in an exceptional architectural setting.

A living arts festival in a medieval Parisian setting

The Collège des Bernardins opens its doors to contemporary creation. This 13th-century monument becomes the stage for an ambitious artistic program. As a result, visitors can enjoy an unprecedented dialogue between ancient heritage and the living arts.

This Gothic edifice boasts remarkable acoustics. What’s more, its vaulted architecture creates an atmosphere conducive toartistic emotion. Spectators find themselves immersed in a space where every stone tells a story.

The Arts Vivants festival offers a complete sensory experience. The beauty of the site amplifies each performance. This encounter between past and present attracts a varied audience, from art lovers to the curious passer-by.

“Collège des Bernardins becomes a creative space where heritage meets artistic innovation.”

A rich and varied program for all audiences

The program combines several artistic disciplines. Music, documentary and cinema rub shoulders over three intense days. However, each proposal retains its own identity.

Musician Marc Melià takes part in the event with his synthesizer. He offers sound performances adapted to the venue. Film and documentary screenings complete the cultural program.

• Live music performances with Marc Melià on synthesizer
• Exclusive documentary screenings
• Film screenings in a historic setting
• Access to a 13th-century medieval monument
• Free or accessible event, depending on performance

The Collège des Bernardins – an exceptional venue for the arts

This monument is located at 20 rue de Poissy, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. It is one of the capital’s largest medieval civil buildings. Today, it regularly hosts major cultural events.

The dimensions of the interior space are impressive. The majestic vaults create the perfect natural resonance for the performances. As a result, this Festival d’Arts Vivants enjoys an ideal acoustic setting.

The choice of this location is not insignificant. It allows the artists to rethink their relationship with space. In this way, each performance becomes unique, shaped by the surrounding architecture.

Visitors discover an often little-known heritage. Indeed, the Collège des Bernardins remains less visited than other Parisian monuments. This Living Arts festival therefore offers a double discovery.

A cultural weekend in the heart of Paris

The event takes place over three consecutive days. From Friday March 20 to Sunday March 22, 2026, the doors open to the public. What’s more, proximity to the Quartier Latin makes for easy access.

Metro and bus services are readily available. Families and groups of friends can organize their visit without constraint. This Festival d’Arts Vivants is for the curious.

Why you shouldn’t miss this artistic rendezvous in March 2026

This type of event remains rare in the Parisian cultural landscape. The combination of a historic venue and contemporary programming creates a memorable experience. As a result, tickets are likely to sell out fast.

Music lovers enjoy live performances in this unique setting. Likewise, cinephiles enjoy a screening in an unusual atmosphere. The Arts Vivants festival caters to a wide range of expectations.

March often marks the cultural awakening after winter. This event fits perfectly into this springtime dynamic. It’s also a great way to kick off the season with an original outing.

Parisians and visitors alike find a reason to get together here. Indeed, sharing an artistic moment in such a setting creates lasting memories. The Festival d’Arts Vivants embodies this desire to experience strong emotions together.

• festival d'Arts Vivants