The Air and Space Museum will open its doors to visitors for free on April 12, 2026, in celebration of the upcoming edition of European Crafts Days.
The Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace houses an impressive collection of aerospace machines, objects, photographs, posters and more, telling the story of aviation, space and aerostation. A host of professions are linked to these fields: pilot, astronaut, engineer, naval architect... But that's not all!
In the Musée du Bourget, you can also admire pieces created by craftsmen and women. These very special professions require highly specific skills and knowledge, often described as exceptional. Art crafts are often associated with textiles, metal, wood, stone...
To raise awareness of these professions and honor the work of these craftsmen, a major European event is organized every year. The Journées des Métiers d'Art is an opportunity to showcase and meet these highly skilled professionals.
The Air and Space Museum is taking part in this cultural event on April 12, 2026. To mark the occasion, the museum will host themed tours and activities centered around select pieces from its permanent collections. Admission is free for everyone, although advance booking is recommended.
Highlights of the 2026 Heritage Days at the Museum of Air and Space:
- From Plate to Image: Exploring and Practicing Engraving
In celebration of European Days of Crafts and Arts, the Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace is shining a spotlight on engraving — a fundamental technique in the world of print imagery — and inviting the public to discover the skills of engravers firsthand.
On Sunday, April 12th, a selection of engravings from the museum’s collection will be on display, showcasing antique wooden and metal matrices alongside printed proofs. This guided exploration of rare and precious objects will help visitors understand the journey from matrix to image and delve into the gestures and techniques of engraving. The event also ties in with the upcoming exhibition “Funny Flights: Caricaturing Aerial Experiences,” scheduled for June 2026.
The display will be complemented by a workshop led by artist engraver Marie-Clémentine Marès. Using a playful and educational approach, participants will get hands-on experience with printing presses and the engraver’s craft. Inspired by aviation slang (“That’s tearing it up!”, “Propeller inflater,” “Push the levers…”), everyone will be encouraged to create images blending humor and satire, drawing inspiration from the museum’s collections, comics, caricatures, and stamp art. Participants will engrave their designs in intaglio on tetrapak and print them in the Gutenberg style. The words and expressions chosen will be highlighted through typographic play, and some of the museum’s engraved plates will also be printed during the workshop.
Location: Grand War Room
Hours: continuous sessions from 10:30 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5:30 pm
Recommended age: 6 years and older
Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility
Access to the museum is free during the European Days of Crafts and Arts, with prior registration required. (Limited to 50 participants per session)
