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Musée des Arts et Métiers: A Temple of Technology

Explore the history of science, technology, and invention at one of the world's oldest and most fascinating museums, located in the heart of Paris.

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The Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris, founded in 1794, is one of the oldest science and technology museums in the world. Housing a vast collection of inventions and technological achievements, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of human ingenuity, displaying over 2,400 objects across seven thematic collections.

A brief summary to Musée des Arts et Métiers

  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free admission to the permanent collection.
  • Take the Metro to Arts-et-Métiers (lines 3 and 11) or Réaumur-Sébastopol (lines 3 and 4) for easy access.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's extensive collection.
  • Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and special events.
  • The museum offers audio guides in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Musée des Arts et Métiers is easily accessible by the Paris Metro. Take lines 3 or 11 to the Arts-et-Métiers station, which is right next to the museum. Alternatively, you can take lines 3 or 4 to Réaumur-Sébastopol station, which is a short walk away. A single Metro ticket costs €2.50. A carnet of 10 tickets is available for €17.35.

  • Walking

    From the Centre Pompidou, walk northwest along Rue Beaubourg, then turn left onto Rue Réaumur. The Musée des Arts et Métiers will be on your right in about 10 minutes. From Châtelet-Les Halles, walk east along Rue de Rivoli, then turn right onto Boulevard de Sébastopol. Turn left onto Rue Réaumur; the museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Paris. A short taxi ride from the Louvre Museum to the Musée des Arts et Métiers will cost approximately €15-€20 and take around 20 minutes, depending on traffic. The base fare is €4.48, with a per-kilometer charge of €1.29. Keep an eye out for the 'Taxi Parisien' sign on the roof to ensure it is a licensed taxi.

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Discover more about Musée des Arts et Métiers

The Musée des Arts et Métiers, located in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, is a captivating museum dedicated to the history of science, technology, and invention. Established in 1794 within the former priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs, the museum's collection has grown to encompass over 80,000 objects and 15,000 drawings, with around 2,500 on display. The museum is organized into seven thematic sections: Scientific Instruments, Materials, Energy, Mechanics, Construction, Communication, and Transportation. Visitors can explore a wide array of exhibits, including Clément Ader's Avion III, Foucault's Pendulum, Pascal's calculator, and the original model of the Statue of Liberty. The exhibits showcase the evolution of scientific knowledge and technical progress from the 16th century to the present day. The Musée des Arts et Métiers offers a rich visitor experience with temporary exhibitions, educational activities, conferences, and significant archival collections. The museum is committed to accessibility, offering programs for visitors with disabilities. It's a must-see destination for those interested in the history of innovation and the impact of technology on society. The museum is housed within the historic Saint-Martin-des-Champs Priory, an architectural treasure in itself. The site's history dates back to the Merovingian era, with the priory being established in the 11th century. The former church of the priory now serves as a display space for larger objects, including cars and airplanes. A visit to the Musée des Arts et Métiers is a journey through time, celebrating human ingenuity and the transformative power of technology.

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