The Musée des Arts et Métiers is possibly one of the less-visited museums in Paris – and it’s a pity! It’s brilliant!
Its name translates as The Museum of Arts, Crafts and Trades. It might not be the most attractive of titles, but it offers a fascinating collection, and you will need almost half a day to see all of the excellent exhibits.
The museum was founded in 1794, with the purpose of preserving and showcasing a wide range of industrial and technological designs and inventions. The spectacular site that houses the collections is made up of the former priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs, the original location, and several adjacent buildings, which were annexed later as the museum expanded.
The museum was renovated in 2020.
Early flight
One of the most fascinating displays chronicles the early history of aviation.
Among the historical aircraft, some of which are suspended from the ceiling, you’ll see the famous monoplane, the ‘Blériot XI’.
In 1909, Louis Blériot set out in this delicate looking aircraft, making the first air crossing of La Manche (the English Channel) – from Calais to Dover – a distance of approximately 38 kilometres. The trip took 36 minutes and his success earned him a prize of £1,000, offered by the English newspaper, The Daily Mail.
Arts et Métiers: a history of things
There is a vast array of things to see, in seven separate collections:
- Scientific, mathematical and medical instruments
- Materials
- Energy
- Mechanics
- Construction
- Communication technologies
- Transportation.
Each of the Arts et Métiers collections has ‘how-it-works’ information, and models from almost every imaginable subject in the field.
As writers, we were particularly fascinated by the vast collection of typewriters, like the early Hammond typewriter (pictured below) that dates from 1893.
To see everything, allow at least two hours. It’s a great family day out.
Want more? Francy That! has lots of other suggestions for Things To Do in Paris.
Information
Entry cost: 9€ adults, 6€ concessions (9 May to 15 October 2023) for permanent collections; 12€ adults, 9€ concessions (17 October 2023 to 12 May 2024) for permanent and temporary collections.
Entry is free on the first Sunday of each month, and on Fridays from 6-9 pm.
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am-6 pm; Late night Friday until 9 pm.
Closed on Mondays, 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
Website
The Arts et Métiers website is mainly in French but has basic information in English
Getting there
Address: 60 rue Réaumur, (3rd Arr.)
Metro: Arts et Métiers – Lines 3 and 11
