The Musée des Arts et Métiers: a historical journey through the greatest inventions

The Musée des Arts et Métiers is a journey back in time to discover the greatest inventions of all time! From scientific instruments to means of communication, energy, mechanical tools and transport, you'll discover thousands of objects that revolutionized their era, in the heart of a sublime site, listed as a historic monument. Founded by Abbé Henri Grégoire, a politician and scientist, this unique museum appeals to the curious and lovers of science and history.

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It houses one of the world's oldest industrial and technological collections, including Clément Ader's Aéroplane, known as Avion n° 3, Foucault's pendulum, Pascal's Machine arithmétique, Lavoisier's Gazomètre, Thimonnier's model of the first sewing machine and the model of the "Telstar 1" telecommunications satellite, as well as some 80,000 objects. Fun installations such as the Salle de l'écho offer fun for all the family!

The museum opened its doors in 1802, after the French Revolution, in the former royal abbey of Saint-Martin-des-Champs. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength, housing varied collections ranging from medieval machines to contemporary inventions. Organized into seven thematic departments, it highlights emblematic objects that have shaped our world, in temporary exhibitions and a fascinating permanent tour.

As guardian of our technological heritage, the Musée des Arts et Métiers plays an essential role in educating and delighting present and future generations, through lectures and workshops for all ages. In addition to the audioguides, the Mission Inventions application lets you discover the museum and its collections in a fun, family-friendly way!

The museum is open every day except Monday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., while on Fridays you can enjoy a nocturne until 9 p.m. To visit the museum with complete peace of mind, book your tickets in advance: the full rate is 12 euros, the reduced rate is 9 euros, and admission is free for under-26s. On the first Sunday of every month and at night, admission is free! To get to the museum, take metro line 11 or 3 and get off at Arts et Métiers.

Museum news :

Flops?! Dare to fail, dare to innovate: explore the after-hours exhibition before it ends at the Musée des Arts et Métiers.
The Museum of Arts and Crafts is exploring failure and its essential role in invention, through the quirky exhibition "Flops. Dare, Fail, Innovate," running from October 14, 2025, to May 17, 2026. Evening openings are planned from May 5 to May 16, 2026. [Read more]

Family workshops and demonstrations: Night of Museums 2026 at the Musée des Arts et Métiers
On the occasion of the 2026 Night of Museums, the Musée des Arts et Métiers invites you to a special after-hours event on Saturday, May 23, 2026: visitors of all ages will be invited to explore machines and devices, each more extraordinary than the last. [Read more]

ZEUS, the iconic metal horse from the Olympics, on display for free at the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Paris
Zeus, the mechanical horse from the Olympic Games that captured everyone's hearts, has now arrived at the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris. The towering steel colossus is open to the public free of charge from December 17, 2025, to January 10, 2027. [Read more]

Did you know? You can watch the Earth rotate thanks to Foucault's pendulum in Paris.
Want to see the Earth spinning at the end of a wire? You're in luck, because two of Foucault's pendulums can be seen in Paris, in the heart of the Panthéon and the Musée des Arts et Métiers. [Read more]

Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.