Museum Night Halle & Leipzig

Museum Night — The Central German Cultural Night

Halle and Leipzig are only 35 kilometers apart, connected by the S-Bahn in 20 minutes, but they belong to two different federal states: Halle to Saxony-Anhalt, Leipzig to Saxony. It is precisely this proximity that the two cities have used since 2008 for one of Central Germany's largest cultural formats: The Museum Night takes place simultaneously in both cities, with a single ticket that includes admission and public transport. Those who wish can travel between the Halle City Museum and the Leipzig Picture Gallery — the S-Bahn runs through the night until 3 AM.

Over the years, the event has grown: in 2026, 90 museums, galleries, and collections will participate, jointly presenting over 500 program items. Opening hours are from 6 PM to midnight. Tickets cost €14 (adults) or €10 (concessions); children and young people up to 18 years are free (ticket still required). Each ticket is valid as a travel pass for all local public transport in both cities plus the S-Bahn lines between them — a solution that gives the event much of its relaxed atmosphere.

2026 Theme: Night Creatures

Each edition has a unifying theme. 'Night Creatures' is intentionally kept open for 2026: it invites institutions to stage their collections, stories, and themes from the perspective of the night and its inhabitants. The Halle City Museum will focus on the night creatures of Halle's social history, while the Bauhaus Dessau (which is also participating) will explore the perception of architecture at night. The Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg will also open its scientific collections — from the anatomical collection to the mineral collection.

Halle as the Capital of Saxony-Anhalt's Museum Landscape

With over twenty participating institutions, Halle contributes a significant part of the program. The Stiftung Moritzburg as the central art museum, the Händel House, the Francke Foundations with the Baroque orphanage, the City Museum, the Saltworks and the Halloren and Salt Museum — Halle's diverse museum offerings are showcased in their full breadth on this night. Those who plan their program strategically can combine a concert in the Marktkirche with a performance in the Bauhaus studio and a late-night visit to the Natural History Museum.