In 2026, Night of Ideas,Villa Albertine’s popular nocturnal festival, returns in 18 cities across the United States. Coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this edition will bring together thinkers, scientists, community advocates, and artists for conversations exploring the philosophical and political roots of our democracies.

Drawing on perspectives from both sides of the Atlantic, Night of Ideas will examine the Enlightenment ideals that helped shape democracies in the U.S. and France—such as reason and the rule of law, the pursuit of progress, freedom of expression, and equal access to education and culture—and will ask what might become of these guiding principles as we look ahead to the next 250 years. From pondering how to create optimal conditions for youth engagement and critical thinking to examining the notion of “progress” in the face of the rapidly evolving AI and bioengineering fields, Night of Ideas will tackle diverse topics with high stakes for our collective future.