A medieval monastery in Paris’s 3rd arrondissement houses one of the world’s most remarkable collections of scientific and technological invention — yet it remains one of the city’s best-kept secrets. The Museum of Arts and Crafts, founded in 1794, was created to preserve and showcase groundbreaking innovations, and today displays around 2,500 objects across seven thematic collections.
From Foucault's Pendulum swinging dramatically in the former church nave to early flying machines, mechanical calculators, and historic laboratories, the museum offers a rare opportunity to experience the evolution of human ingenuity in a uniquely atmospheric setting.
From Foucault's Pendulum swinging dramatically in the former church nave to early flying machines, mechanical calculators, and historic laboratories, the museum offers a rare opportunity to experience the evolution of human ingenuity in a uniquely atmospheric setting.
Key Highlights
- Explore the original Foucault's Pendulum, demonstrating the Earth’s rotation in real time inside the museum’s historic church nave.
- Discover Avion III, an early experimental aircraft suspended dramatically overhead.
- Step inside Antoine Lavoisier’s preserved laboratory and see the tools that shaped modern chemistry.
- See Pascaline, one of the earliest mechanical calculators ever built.
- View the original scale model of the Statue of Liberty used during its design phase.
- Experience the striking contrast between medieval architecture and centuries of technological innovation.
About Museum of Arts and Crafts Ticket
The museum is part of the Conservatoire National Museum of Arts and Crafts, founded during the French Revolution to document and promote scientific progress. Today, it houses over 80,000 objects, with 2,500 displayed across 6,000 square metres inside the historic Saint-Martin-des-Champs Priory.
The collection is organised into seven areas: Scientific Instruments, Materials, Energy, Mechanics, Construction, Communication, and Transport. Visitors can trace innovation from early astrolabes and telescopes to telegraph systems, phonographs, early cinema devices, and the first self-propelled vehicles. The museum’s most iconic pieces — including Foucault’s Pendulum and Avion III — are displayed in the former church nave, creating a powerful visual experience that blends science with architecture.
A visit typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace, and offers a quieter, more focused alternative to Paris’s larger museums. Book your tickets on Thrillark to explore one of the city’s most fascinating hidden gems.
The collection is organised into seven areas: Scientific Instruments, Materials, Energy, Mechanics, Construction, Communication, and Transport. Visitors can trace innovation from early astrolabes and telescopes to telegraph systems, phonographs, early cinema devices, and the first self-propelled vehicles. The museum’s most iconic pieces — including Foucault’s Pendulum and Avion III — are displayed in the former church nave, creating a powerful visual experience that blends science with architecture.
A visit typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace, and offers a quieter, more focused alternative to Paris’s larger museums. Book your tickets on Thrillark to explore one of the city’s most fascinating hidden gems.
Inclusions
- Entry to the Museum of Arts and Crafts
- Access to all seven permanent collections
- Entry to temporary exhibitions (when available)
Exclusions
- Audio guide (available on-site for an additional fee)
Insiders' Tips
Visit on a Friday evening when the museum stays open later and is significantly quieter, allowing you to experience the exhibits without crowds. Don’t miss the short live demonstrations — they bring key inventions to life in a way static displays cannot. Before leaving, stop by the nearby Arts-et-Métiers metro station, whose Jules Verne-inspired design is an attraction in itself.
Additional Information
Operating Hours
- 10:00am - 06:00pm
- Suitcases and wheeled bags of any size are not allowed
- Bags up to 55x35x25cm allowed
- Cloakroom temporarily closed
- leave your bag in the museum's partner private locker (extra fee)
- Closed on Mondays
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations are non refundable
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Foucault’s Pendulum at Museum of Arts and Crafts?
The Foucault's Pendulum at the museum is the original device used to demonstrate the Earth’s rotation. Suspended from a long wire, the pendulum swings in a constant direction while the Earth rotates beneath it, making the motion appear to shift over time. This simple yet powerful experiment provided one of the first direct visual proofs of Earth’s rotation. Seeing the original instrument adds historical significance to the experience. It remains one of the museum’s most iconic exhibits.
Did Avion III at Museum of Arts and Crafts really fly?
The Avion III is central to a long-standing debate in aviation history. Its creator claimed it achieved powered flight before the Wright Brothers, but historians still question whether it met the criteria for controlled flight. Regardless of the debate, the machine represents a remarkable engineering milestone. Displayed in the museum’s nave, it offers visitors a striking look at early aviation ambition. Its presence highlights the experimental nature of innovation.
Is Museum of Arts and Crafts suitable for children?
Yes, the Museum of Arts and Crafts is highly engaging for children, especially those interested in science and technology. Interactive demonstrations and visually striking exhibits make complex ideas accessible. The scale of the museum is manageable compared to larger Paris institutions. Children often enjoy the moving pendulum and suspended aircraft the most. Workshops and activities are also offered during holidays.
How long should I spend at Museum of Arts and Crafts?
A typical visit to the Museum of Arts and Crafts takes between 1.5 and 3 hours. Visitors interested in specific areas can complete a shorter visit, while those exploring all sections may take longer. The museum layout encourages a logical flow through different fields of innovation. Demonstrations and temporary exhibitions can extend your visit. It’s ideal for a half-day cultural experience.
What makes Museum of Arts and Crafts unique in Paris?
The Museum of Arts and Crafts stands out for combining scientific history with a historic architectural setting. Unlike art museums, it focuses on invention and innovation across centuries. The presence of original objects — not replicas — adds authenticity. Its quieter atmosphere allows for deeper engagement. It is one of Paris’s most underrated yet rewarding cultural experiences.
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