Bordeaux is stepping back into the late 19th century this winter. On Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, the Musée national des douanes will host a grand historical costume ball, marking the centenary of Claude Monet’s death with an evening dedicated to the elegance and social dances of the era.
The event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., bringing period-accurate movement and attire directly into the museum’s historic hall. According to OpenAgenda, ticket structures offer distinct options for attendees: joining the costume ball alone costs 10 euros, a single dance workshop is priced at 6 euros, and the full package combining both workshops and the evening event is available for 20 euros.
Stepping Back into the Nineteenth Century
The immersive evening is organized in partnership with Bal d’Antan – Un pas dans l’histoire, an association dedicated to resurrecting the atmosphere of grand societal balls spanning from the 18th century to the Belle Époque. Inside the striking architecture of the museum’s exhibition hall, participants donning period-appropriate garments will recreate the lively social gatherings that defined the latter half of the 1800s.
Bal d’Antan routinely hosts historic dance instruction—including polkas, quadrilles, valses, and contredanses—alongside costume-making workshops in exceptional heritage sites across the region. For this specific commemoration, the focus zeroes in on the artistic and cultural milieu of Monet’s lifetime, blending visual heritage with participatory performance.
Preparing for the Floor
Mastering the etiquette and steps of nineteenth-century society requires more than simply looking the part.
These preparatory dance workshops will take place on the mercredis 18 et 25 novembre 2026, de 18h30 à 20h. Instructors will walk participants through the precise choreography and social codes required for the December gala, bridging the gap between historical study and living tradition.
