Musée des Arts et Métiers, Paris
Facts and practical information
Nestled in the heart of the bustling 3rd arrondissement of Paris, the Musée des Arts et Métiers is a temple to innovation and human ingenuity. This venerable institution, founded in 1794 as a repository for the preservation of scientific instruments and inventions, is a celebration of the technical and industrial milestones that have shaped the modern world.
Housed within the walls of the former priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs, the museum boasts a collection that spans from the industrial revolution to the present day. Visitors can explore an array of over 80,000 objects and 15,000 drawings in its extensive galleries. The museum's exhibits are organized into seven departments: Scientific Instruments, Materials, Energy, Mechanics, Construction, Communication, and Transportation, each offering a deep dive into the evolution of technology and industry.
One of the highlights of the Musée des Arts et Métiers is the original model of the Statue of Liberty by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, a poignant reminder of the shared history between France and the United States. Another iconic exhibit is the Foucault Pendulum, dramatically displayed in the museum's chapel, which demonstrates the rotation of the Earth in a hypnotic, perpetual swing.
The museum is not only a place of historical artifacts; it also serves as a center for education and culture, hosting temporary exhibitions, workshops, and conferences that bridge the gap between the past and the future of technology.
Musée des Arts et Métiers – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)
Nearby attractions include: Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du Judaïsme, Tour Jean-sans-Peur, Passage Brady, Porte Saint-Denis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is Musée des Arts et Métiers open?
- Monday closed
- Tuesday 10 am - 6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am - 6 pm
- Thursday 10 am - 9:30 pm
- Friday 10 am - 6 pm
- Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
- Sunday 10 am - 6 pm
Which popular attractions are close to Musée des Arts et Métiers?
How to get to Musée des Arts et Métiers by public transport?
Bus
- Réaumur - Arts et Métiers • Lines: 20, 38, N12, N13, N14, N23 (2 min walk)
- Arts et Métiers • Lines: 20, 75, N12, N23 (3 min walk)
Metro
- Arts et Métiers • Lines: 11, 3 (2 min walk)
- Réaumur - Sébastopol • Lines: 4 (4 min walk)
Train
- Châtelet - Les Halles (13 min walk)
- East Station (20 min walk)
Ferry
- Hôtel-de-Ville • Lines: Batobus (21 min walk)
- Notre-Dame • Lines: Batobus (26 min walk)