More than one hundred discoveries
The organiser announces more than one hundred programme items across seven iconic venues, combining art, music, performance, talks and interactive science.
The main venues cluster around Pieterskerkplein and Rapenburg: Pieterskerk, Hortus botanicus, the Academy Building, Faculty Club, National Museum of Antiquities and Gravensteen. Rapenburg also becomes an art route.
Date, time and planning
- Date: Saturday 19 September 2026.
- Time: 7 pm–1 am.
- Venues: seven locations in Leiden's university and museum quarter.
- Check the official programme shortly before your visit for times, accessibility and changes.
- Arrive by train where possible; the venues are within walking distance of Leiden Centraal.
Programme, tickets and venues
- View the official programmePlan your route with current times and venues.
- Buy tickets from the organiserSee current ticket types and conditions.
- Hortus botanicus LeidenExplore one of the festival venues.
- Pieterskerk LeidenDiscover the historic heart of the festival area.
- National Museum of AntiquitiesRead more about this participating venue.
- RapenburgExplore the canal connecting the venues.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the Night of Discoveries 2026?
- Saturday 19 September 2026, from 7 pm until 1 am.
- Where does the festival take place?
- Across seven venues around Pieterskerkplein and Rapenburg, including Pieterskerk, Hortus botanicus, the Academy Building, Faculty Club, National Museum of Antiquities and Gravensteen.
- Where can I buy tickets?
- Buy tickets through the official Night of Discoveries website and check the current conditions there.
Continue exploring Leiden
- Food & drinkThe best restaurants, terraces, lunch spots, breakfast places, bars and coffee bars in Leiden — with address, map and opening hours.
- Leiden by trainTravel from Amsterdam or Schiphol Airport to Leiden by train, plus connections from The Hague and Rotterdam, ticket advice and Leiden Centraal arrival tips.
- AccommodationWhere to stay in Leiden: canal-side hotels, boutique B&Bs and apartments in the historic centre, all within walking distance of Leiden Centraal station.
- Heritage Open DaysDiscover Leiden’s Heritage Open Days, historic buildings and guided visits. Find official information about the next edition and planning your visit.