Musée des Arts et Métiers Tours
1,775 Reviews
With origins dating to the 18th century, the Musée des Arts et Métiers (the Arts and Crafts Museum) is one of Paris’ most unusual and fascinating cultural institutions. Housed in the former priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs, the museum owns upwards of 80,000 objects that range from Foucault’s Pendulum to some of the world’s first planes.
The Basics
Officially the oldest science museum in Europe, the Musée des Arts et Métiers was established in 1794. It occupies a historical priory; following a period of major renovation in the 1990s, it increased its exhibition space with the addition of a second, adjacent building. Today, its wide-ranging collection includes thousands of diverse objects that represent important inventions, historical tools, and scientific advancements. Collection highlights span from Foucault’s Pendulum (a device created in 1851 to demonstrate the Earth’s rotation) to historic astrolabes, early vehicles, and more.
The Musée des Arts et Métiers is included in Paris Museum Pass schemes, so you can easily combine a visit with a sweep of the city’s other highlights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Free entry to the museum is available on the first Sunday of the month and after 6pm on Thursdays.
- The museum is fully accessible to visitors of differing mobility levels, and hosts specialized tours for those with hearing, visual, or cognitive disabilities.
- The Musée des Arts et Métiers hosts free daily tours and demonstrations.
- Following a recent renovation, the on-site cafe is now open throughout the day and offers salads, sandwiches, and other fresh fare.
How to Get There
The closest Métro station to the museum is Arts et Métiers, accessible on the 3 and 11 lines. Buses 20, 38, 39, and 47 also stop nearby. As with most central Parisian landmarks, the museum is also easily accessed on foot, by taxi, or by Vélib’.
When to Get There
The Musée des Arts et Métiers is typically open from Tuesday–Sunday, from 10am–6pm (though it’s open until 9:30pm on Thursday evenings). The museum is closed on Christmas Day and May 1st each year. Because there are rotating temporary exhibitions, talks, and other events, it’s worth planning repeat visits.
The Arts et Métiers Métro Station
If you plan to visit the Musée des Arts et Métiers, it’s worth traveling by Métro; after all, the Arts et Métiers station is one of the most distinctive in the entire Paris Métro system, thanks to its copper plating, enormous cogs, and submarine-style portholes. The station was revamped by Belgian comic book artist François Schuiten in 1994, and its steampunk looks are an homage to Jules Verne.
Address: 60 Rue Réaumur, Paris 75003, France
Admission: Varies
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Musée des Arts et Métiers
Sort by:Featured
Paris Pass Including Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and Entry to Over 60 Attractions
Gain admission to more than 60 top Paris attractions with the Paris Pass—a flexible sightseeing pass that lets you access the best the French capital has to offer, such as the Palace of Versailles and Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy entrance to Parisian showstoppers like the Louvre Museum, and Centre Pompidou with the 2-, 3-, 4-, or 6-day pass. Make the most of a 1-day hop-on hop-off Big Bus sightseeing tour, Bateaux Parisiens river cruise, and unlimited public transport with the included travelcard.
Please note: Enjoy the extra flexibility in case your travel plans need to change: All passes are valid for two year from purchase date and only become activated with your first attraction visit.
…More
From
$162.39
From
$162.39
Paris City Pass: Free admission & public transport
The Paris City Pass grants you entry to the best Parisian highlights as well as access to the most important activities. Make the most of your time in Paris and let the Pass take care of the practicalities for you. Pick your favorite sights from the huge selection and visit as many as you like. The Paris City Pass is valid for either 2, 3*, 4, 5* or 6 days.
* Note for museum visits: The 3-day-pass includes the Paris Museum Pass for the free visit of over 50 museums for 48 h; the 5-day-pass the free visit for 96 h. Please plan your schedule of visits according. Bonus in 4-day-pass: you can use the public transport for free on an additional 5th day.
Enjoy free admission to 60 museums and attractions in Paris, including the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, a boat trip along the Seine, and much more. At some of the attractions you'll be able to spend less time queuing, heading straight for the entrance instead.
…More
From
$140.40
From
$140.40
Paris Museum Pass and Seine River Cruise Including Delivery to Your Hotel
Savor the world-class art offerings of Paris while avoiding the long entrance queues with the Paris Museum Pass. Choose from a 2-, 4- or 6-day pass, and enjoy unlimited, skip-the-line entry to more than 60 museums and attractions in Paris and surrounds. Also included is a 1-hour sightseeing cruise along the famous Seine River. Get a new perspective on riverside landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and Notre Dame while relaxing aboard a specially designed touring boat.
…More
From
$101.63
From
$101.63
Things to do near Paris
- Things to do in Île-de-France
- Things to do in Marne-la-Vallée
- Things to do in Reims
- Things to do in Blois
- Things to do in Deauville City
- Things to do in Le Havre
- Things to do in Lille
- Things to do in Dijon
- Things to do in Ghent
- Things to do in Dover
- Things to do in Brussels
- Things to do in Zaventem
- Things to do in Luxembourg City
- Things to do in Champagne
- Things to do in Normandy