Founded in 1794, the Museum of Arts and Trades (Musée des Arts et Métiers), based in the buildings of the former Priory of St Martin in the Fields (Saint-Martin-des-Champs) in Paris' 3rd arrondissement, is one of the oldest technical and industrial museums in the world. Its exceptional and impressive permanent exhibition consists of seven main themed collections: scientific instruments, materials, construction, communication, energy, mechanics and transport. The 2,500 objects spread across 6,000 m² are also magnificently displayed, which makes the whole visit even more interesting. Major pieces are exhibited here, such as the Blériot XI aeroplane suspended from the vault of the majestic church, the marine clock no. 1 by Ferdinand Berthoud, Lavoisier's gasometer, and the sphere of Léon Foucault's pendulum, to name but a few. Dotted with explanation signs and interactive terminals, this unique collection is displayed in chronological order, thus offering a chance to see how things have evolved over time, particularly during the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution.
The Museum of Arts and Trades also regularly puts on temporary exhibitions, conferences and educational activities.
