A temple of scientific wonders, this technology museum houses an unbelievable collection of instruments and inventions housed in a converted medieval church.
Why Visit: Get up close to Foucault's mesmerizing rotating pendulum and the original Statue of Liberty model.
For Those Who: Love science, adore old machines and gadgets, appreciate quirk and whimsy, enjoy blending history with modern aesthetics.
Tucked into the historic St-Martin-des-Champs Priory dating back to the 11th century, the Musée des Arts et Métiers is a museum of scientific instruments, inventions and technologies housed in a striking blend of medieval architecture and sleek modern design. The museum holds an expansive collection related to topics ranging from construction and chemistry to transport and time measurement.
Highlights include getting to walk below Foucault's dazzling suspended pendulum, admiring painstakingly crafted automatons, exploring pioneering communication devices, and seeing rare artifacts like the original 18th-century model of the Statue of Liberty. Wonder at history's quirky contraptions and experiments in the museum's seven specialized galleries, each telling a unique story of human ingenuity and progress through inventions. Don't miss the Transport Gallery's extensive collection of early vehicles, from bicycles to trains.
The museum initially opened in 1794 to showcase inventions from the French Academy of Sciences. Today, it continues to bridge history and cutting-edge science through special exhibits on robotics, biotechnology, and more, alongside its core collection of over 8,000 artifacts, instruments, and machines. A visit here is sure to illuminate and inspire.
What You Need to Know: The museum is at 60 Rue Réaumur in the 3rd arrondissement. It's open Tuesday-Sunday, and admission is €8.
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