L'île aux bébés musicale at La BAM
In 26 days
A friendly session for children aged 3 months to 3 years and their (grand)parents: at La BAM, librarians and musicians from the Orchestre national de Metz Grand Est combine stories and music. Registration required.
The session
Two librarians and one or two musicians introduce little ones to picture books, nursery rhymes and finger games. These simple, playful routines, told, played and sung, are easy to repeat at home.
At La BAM, where librarians join the orchestra
La BAM is mostly associated with concerts, but this event shows another side of it: a partnership between the city's libraries and the Cité musicale-Metz. The latter brings together EPCC Metz en Scènes, which runs the Arsenal, La BAM and Les Trinitaires, and the Orchestre national de Metz Grand Est. Founded in 1976, the orchestra has 72 permanent musicians and plays mainly at the Arsenal. Here, just one or two of them take part. The format travels around town: the Arsenal on 20 October, the Verlaine library on 7 November, then Borny on 5 December.
A December Saturday morning with a baby
On Saturday 5 December, two free 45-minute sessions are offered, at 10:15 am and 11:15 am. Register with La BAM from 5 November. Choose according to your child's rhythm: the first leaves some leeway before lunch, while the second suits a baby who naps in the morning. Bring what you need to keep them warm on the journey, and allow time to settle in before it starts. The Mettis A links Borny to the centre, where the Christmas market is announced from 20 November to 30 December. With a very young child, save it for after the nap, and check the opening hours.
Why artistic awakening also concerns the under-3s
Artistic awakening before school has long had a place in French public policy. A Culture-Childhood protocol dates from 1989, and a new text signed in 2017 by the Culture and Family ministries aims to build it into early childcare. The Ministry of Culture sees in it a response to babies' fundamental needs, notably cognitive, emotional and language-related, and a support for their curiosity. It has also joined the first 1,000 days initiative. These texts promise no guaranteed effect: above all, they encourage sharing music and books very early on.
Practical information
Address: La BAM, 20 Boulevard d'Alsace, 57070 Metz
Frequently asked questions
Where and when?
On 5 December 2026: La BAM, 20 boulevard d'Alsace, Metz.
Who is this event for?
Children aged 3 months to 3 years, with their parents or grandparents, with registration.
How can you get to La BAM with a baby without a car?
The Mettis A is the most direct option: it runs from the station and République towards Borny, and the Hauts de Blémont stop serves Boulevard d'Alsace. Allow extra time with the pushchair so you arrive before your session starts.
Which area should you choose to stay with a toddler?
The area around the cathedral limits pushchair journeys once you are back from La BAM, and Outre-Seille offers a balance of charm and price. Staylaro's guide « Se loger à Metz » compares them and lets you search for accommodation.
