Museums should be open until midnight
I don't want to go to the club i wanna go look at art or fossils (+ some book recommendations)
I’ve never enjoyed clubbing. The deafening noise, the sea of sweaty bodies invading my personal space, and the inevitable drinks spilled over my clean shoes. It's an assault on every one of my senses.
Don't get me wrong; I understand the appeal. Spending the late hours dancing the night away in a club, forgetting about the outside world for a few hours as music blasts over the sound of my thoughts. But it’s not for me.
For years, I grappled with this aversion. I thought there must be something wrong with me. Why couldn't I enjoy what seemed to be a universal rite of passage? While my class mates spent hours discussing their weekend plans, their outfits and pre-club rituals, I found myself inventing excuses to stay home.
It's taken me a long time to come to terms with this aspect of myself. I realised that the pressure to conform, to spend every free evening (and every hard-earned penny) on club nights, was more about fitting in than genuine fun.
But here's the thing: I love evenings and late nights. There's something magical about the world after dark, a sense of possibility that hangs in the air. It's just that my ideal night out looks a little different, a little less loud.
Recently, I posted a thought on social media, half-expecting to be met with crickets:
Instead, the post resonated with far more people than I had anticipated. Over 6 thousand beautiful souls, to be precise.
Embracing the alternative
Imagine wandering through dimly lit halls of a museum at midnight, the usual daytime crowds replaced by a handful of like-minded night owls. Picture standing before a Van Gogh painting, its swirling stars seeming to come alive in the quiet of the night. Or peering at ancient fossils, feeling the weight of millions of years of history in the hushed atmosphere.



These are the experiences that set my soul on fire. The ones that leave me feeling invigorated and inspired, rather than drained and dehydrated. It's not about being anti-social or superior; it's about finding joy in spaces that speak to my intrinsic nature.
As I've grown older, I've learned to embrace this aspect of who I am. To seek out the experiences that truly excite me, rather than forcing myself into situations that leave me feeling depleted. I've discovered that there are others like me - quiet rebels who find their thrills in libraries, late-night cafes, and yes, hypothetical midnight museum tours.
The world is vast and varied, with room for all kinds of nightlife. Some may find their bliss on a crowded dance floor, and that's beautiful.
But for those of us who prefer our evenings with a side of quiet contemplation, there's magic to be found too. We just might have to look a little harder to find it.
So here's to the night owls who prefer Monet to mojitos, who would rather discuss dinosaurs than the latest dance moves. May we continue to carve out our own spaces in the night, finding connection and joy in the quieter corners of the world.
And who knows? Maybe one day, we'll see those midnight museum hours become a reality.
Books for the quiet rebels who find their thrills in libraries, late-night cafes:
"After Dark" by Haruki Murakami - This novel takes place over the course of one night in Tokyo, exploring the surreal encounters between characters during the late-night hours.
"Night Film" by Marisha Pessl - A cult favorite that delves into the mysterious world of a reclusive filmmaker, perfect for those who enjoy atmospheric, nocturnal settings.
"Metropolitan Stories" by Christine Coulson - A collection of vignettes about the hidden life of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering a behind-the-scenes look at museum culture.
"The Night at the Museum" by Milan Trenc - The original inspiration for the popular movie franchise, this picture book captures the magic of a museum coming to life at night.
"Cats of the Louvre" by Taiyo Matsumoto - A surreal graphic novel about the secret world of cats living in the famous Parisian museum, blending art and fantasy.
"Walden" by Henry David Thoreau - This 19th-century classic is a reflection on simple living in natural surroundings. Thoreau's meditations on solitude and self-reliance resonate with those who appreciate quiet contemplation.
"The Myth of Sisyphus" by Albert Camus - A philosophical essay that explores the absurdity of life and the human search for meaning. It's perfect for those who enjoy pondering life's big questions during late-night musings.
"The Stranger" by Albert Camus - Another existentialist classic that explores themes of alienation and the absurd. Its contemplative tone and philosophical underpinnings make it a good fit for introspective readers.
And here are some articles that inspired me:
"Club Culture Isn't Dead – It's Evolving" from VICE - An article discussing the changing landscape of nightlife, including the rise of more diverse and experimental events
"12 Essential Books on Dance Music" from Festival Insider - While not directly related to museums or cafes, this list offers insights into nightlife culture and its evolution
"The alternative parties keeping old working class venues alive" from Huck Magazine - This piece explores how alternative nightlife events are helping to preserve traditional venues in London.
Until next time,
Allie x
Allie, have you sent this to your local museum? There’s usually an events person on staff. It’s a compelling argument, and there are actually some museums that do this periodically…
They invite a winery or a distillery to do a tasting in the courtyard, and then you can wander around afterwards. Some will do artisan markets.
Thanks for thinking out loud about an excellent idea! Many of us think of museums as ‘third spaces,’ places outside of work and home that fulfill us in multiple ways. Nights at the museum would enhance that perspective.