Carbon footprint: the exhibition to understand ecology at the Musée des Arts et Métiers

Ecology, environment, carbon footprint: these are words we hear more and more often. The Musée des Arts et Métiers offers to explain what lies behind these notions, with a brand-new exhibition presented from October 16, 2024 to May 11, 2025. The Carbon Footprint exhibition takes us back to the origins of this concept, and offers a glimpse into the future, through various reflections and technical and historical objects.

So here we are, back in the 19th century, during the Industrial Revolution: this is the event that is now considered to be the great gas pedal of climate change. Mass production, the use of fossil fuels, the beginning of the consumer society, the invention of new techniques and technologies... The Industrial Revolution has left a lasting mark on society. From an environmental point of view, the effects are alarming. However, today we would be hard pressed to do without cars, refrigerators, washing machines, telephones...

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The Musée des Arts et Métiers offers a three-part tour. The first chapter looks at the creation of a carbon footprint, through the creation of objects. Manufacture, transport and sale, use, end-of-life or recycling... Every stage in the life of an object, whatever its size, has an impact on the environment. To illustrate this, the museum uses both common and more unusual objects: this is how we can see the hidden aspects of industry.

Visitors then turn their attention to our actual uses, habits and needs. Our actions also have an ecological footprint, but can we give up our lifestyles? Economics, culture and sociological influences influence our choices and their consequences.

So what can we do about climate change? In the final part of the exhibition, the museum explores various solutions: theories already in place, ideas still under consideration, and highly hypothetical projects. Mediation devices invite visitors to test their opinions and preconceived ideas, while reiterating the information presented throughout the exhibition.

Far from being pessimistic or accusatory, the exhibition at the Musée des Arts et Métiers aims to inform, to encourage sustainable change, within everyone's reach. An exhibition for the whole family!