About Arts et Métiers
Arts et Métiers contains one of the most extraordinary platform designs on any metro system in the world. In 1994, the Belgian comic book artist François Schuiten redesigned the Line 11 platform as the interior of a Jules Verne submarine - riveted copper panels cover every surface, circular portholes pierce the walls, cog-wheel details emerge from the ceiling, and the whole effect is of being inside a Victorian steam-punk vessel travelling through time. It was created to honour the nearby Musée des Arts et Métiers, a museum of science and technology housed in a medieval priory.
The museum itself - one of Paris's most underrated institutions - contains Foucault's original pendulum (which he first demonstrated here in 1851), Blériot's monoplane that crossed the English Channel in 1909, Lavoisier's laboratory equipment, early computing machines and thousands of scientific instruments and industrial objects spanning three centuries of technological innovation.
Station Overview
Zone 1. Lines 3 and 11. No step-free access. The submarine platform is on Line 11.
Travel Tips
- Board Line 11 at Arts et Métiers specifically to see the Schuiten submarine platform - allow time to admire the copper riveted interior before boarding
- Musée des Arts et Métiers: free for EU citizens under 26; admission charged for others. Closed Mondays
- The Marais district and its Jewish quarter on Rue des Rosiers are 10 minutes walk east
Nearby Attractions
Musée des Arts et Métiers - 2 minutes walk. Science and technology museum in a medieval priory. Foucault's pendulum, Blériot's monoplane, early computers. Free under 26; otherwise admission charged.
The Marais - 10 minutes walk east. Historic medieval quarter with Place des Vosges, galleries, the Jewish quarter and excellent restaurants.
Timings and Best Time to Travel
Standard Métro hours. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00–18:00 (Thursday until 21:30). Quietest on weekday mornings.
Nearest Metro to Musée des Arts et Métiers
If you are heading to Musée des Arts et Métiers, Arts et Métiers is your closest metro stop on the Ligne 3. It also gives easy access to The Marais and Pompidou Centre. Use the fare calculator to plan your journey cost before you travel.
Stations on This Line
Traveller Tips
- 1The Line 11 platform submarine design is unmissable - allow time to admire the riveted copper interior
- 2Musée des Arts et Métiers (free with EU ID for under-26s) houses the original Foucault Pendulum
- 3The Marais district with its Jewish quarter, galleries and restaurants is 10 minutes east
- 4Pompidou Centre is a 10-minute walk south
Accessibility
Step-free access information is limited for this station. Contact the Paris Metro helpline for assistance planning your journey.