Musée des Arts et Métiers, Technology and science museum in 3rd arrondissement, France
The Musée des Arts et Métiers is a technology and science museum in the third arrondissement of Paris, housed in a former medieval priory with later additions. The halls show tools, machines, clocks, vehicles, and physical instruments, organized by themes such as communication, energy, materials, and transport.
The museum was founded in 1794 as a republican institution to preserve technical knowledge and make it accessible to citizens. In the 19th century, collections expanded and moved into the buildings of the former priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs, which had stood empty since the Revolution.
The name comes from Latin "artes et metiers", referring to crafts and technical skills once taught in guilds. Visitors find automata and mechanical toys here that show how technology was used for wonder and entertainment.
The museum opens Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and until 9:30 PM on Thursdays, located near the Arts et Métiers metro station. The walkways are wide enough for wheelchairs, and lifts at the entrances reach all floors.
In the former church hangs a Foucault pendulum that shows visitors Earth's rotation as it swings slowly along its path. Around midday and in the afternoon, you can watch it gradually change direction and knock over small pins.
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