Installed in the Saint-Martin-des-Champs abbey, in the heart of Paris’s 3rd arrondissement, the Musée des Arts et Métiers was created in 1794... It is made up of seven principal sections, presented in chronological order: Scientific instruments, Materials, Construction, Communication, Energy, Engineering and Transports. Among the highlights of the museum: Lavoisier’s gasometers, Corning optical fibres, the cinematograph device by the Lumière brothers, Watt’s steam engine, Volta’s first invention of the battery, as well as a type 020 locomotive by Stephenson. The museum regularly organises lectures, debates and temporary exhibitions: for example, until 5 November you have the chance to see the surprising exhibition all about concrete called “Bétons : étonnez-vous !”

Photo D.R.