As part of the 43rd edition of Journées du patrimoine, the Musée des arts et métiers offers free tours and activities centered on the great inventions that have shaped our world, for both young and old. Save the dates: Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026 to experience the program of this new edition of a must-attend cultural event.
The permanent collection at the Musée des arts et métiers is a big hit with children, because it takes them on a journey through time to discover some of the greatest inventions and techniques in the history of science: scientific instruments, materials, construction, communication, energy, mechanics and transport - thousands ofobjects that revolutionized their era are on display in a beautiful building.
In all, the tour is divided into seven collections (scientific instruments, materials, construction, communication, energy, and mechanics and transport), subdivided into four chronological periods (before 1750, 1750-1850, 1850-1950 and after 1950). Curious visitors can also discover Lavoisier's laboratory, Foucault's pendulum and the automaton theater.
Express tours and demonstration
Through a program of short tours and demonstrations, MuAM invites the public to rediscover some of its most emblematic objects with fresh eyes. Beyond their scientific and technical interest, these collections also tell a story that is often little known: their restoration, preservation, and the expertise mobilized to safeguard them and pass them on to future generations.
Participation terms: Free of charge, no reservation required - Free | No reservation
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:30–10:45, 11:00–11:15, 11:30–11:45, 12:00–12:15, 14:00–14:15, 14:30–14:45, 15:00–15:15, 15:30–15:45, 16:00–16:15, 16:30–16:45, 17:00–17:15 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:30–10:45, 11:00–11:15, 11:30–11:45, 12:00–12:15, 14:00–14:15, 14:30–14:45, 15:00–15:15, 15:30–15:45, 16:00–16:15, 16:30–16:45, 17:00–17:15
Family-friendly interactive tour for 4- to 6-year-olds — In Search of the Mysterious Object
To piece together photos in order to uncover clues, that’s the mission our young detectives will undertake to track down a mysterious object and its remarkable story.
Participation conditions: Free activity, register on the day at the museum reception, subject to availability - Free | Reservations required - -
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Blue Shield Association
Working to safeguard the world's cultural and natural heritage in times of armed conflict or natural or human-made disasters—that is the central mission of the Blue Shield. Discover practical steps that can be taken to protect our heritage through a playful workshop that will delight both kids and grown-ups.
Participation requirements : Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 2:00 PM–5:30 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 2:00 PM–5:30 PM
The Fabricators — From Waste to a Work of Art
What should we do with our most stylish waste? The makers have the solution! In a participatory workshop, explore reuse techniques (Kintsugi, String Art…), and build a collaborative mural that brings to life the MuAM's must-have objects.
A workshop in collaboration with the association La Débrouille compagnie
Participation terms: Free, drop-in workshop for ages 7 and up. While spaces last — Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 2:00 PM ⤏ 5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 - 2:00 PM ⤏ 5:00 PM
Family workshop for 7-12 year-olds — Imaginary Figures
Have you seen them? Small faces tucked away both inside and outside the museum’s church. Placed there to protect the site or to honor the memory of generous donors, these masks bear witness to the past. Come discover the story of the Musée des Arts et Métiers and, in turn, imagine fictional figures that could join our collection.
Participation terms: Free activity; sign up on the day at the museum's reception, subject to availability - Free | Reservations required - -
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Museum of Arts and Crafts
60 Rue Réaumur
75003 Paris 3
Route planner
Accessibility info
Access
Metro line 3 or 4 "Réaumur Sébastopol" station, line 3 or 11 "Arts et Métiers" station
Prices
Free
Official website
www.arts-et-metiers.net
