Maison des Hommes et des Techniques

About the museum

The Maison des Hommes et des Techniques is linked to the closure of the Nantes shipyards. In 1986 former workers founded the association Histoire de la Construction Navale à Nantes to preserve the memory of this trade. When the closure of the Dubigeon company was announced for July 1, 1987, the workers saved archives and tools before the site was destroyed.

In 1994 the association expanded with the creation of the Maison des Hommes et des Techniques, housed in the former management building of the Ateliers et Chantiers de Nantes, renovated for the purpose. Its aim goes beyond shipbuilding alone: it seeks to make known the industrial, working-class, maritime and river heritage of Nantes and its region.

In the 1990s it organised its first exhibitions, publications and school programmes, as well as demonstrations of trade skills by former workers. The permanent exhibition “Bâtisseurs de navires” opened in 2009. It presents around 120 objects from the collections across some 150 m², with films, photographs, objects to handle and interactive displays. Temporary exhibitions complement the offer.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition “Bâtisseurs de navires” across some 150 m²
• Around 120 objects on shipbuilding and working life
• Models and objects to handle, including workers' tools
• Listening points with shipyard sounds
• Free admission

Permanent exhibition

• Bâtisseurs de navires – Route through four areas: the geography of the Nantes archipelago, the shipyards in the city, the techniques and trades of shipbuilding, and working-class culture.

Founded

1994

Operated by

Association Maison des Hommes et des Techniques

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the exhibition areas is free. Only group services are paid: a guided visit for €75 per group for a half day or €95 for a full day; two educational workshops on women's work in industry at €110.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The exhibition is step-free on the first floor (ground level); a wheelchair is available at reception and a map for visitors with reduced mobility can be downloaded. The museum is aiming for the Tourisme & Handicap label and lists adjustments still to be made; the screen in the main hall is currently not reachable by wheelchair. Models and tools to handle, a Braille booklet and listening points for blind and partially sighted visitors; for now there are no tools for deaf visitors (an induction loop and subtitles are planned). Accessible parking about 200 m away, rue Renée Siegfried; vehicle access for groups of disabled people possible on request.

Kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Models, tools and objects to handle, interactive displays and listening points. The educational workshops (buoyancy, photo rally, a tools game, meeting a former worker) are aimed at groups and school classes.

Getting there & parking

Drop-off area (dépose-minute) in front of the Ateliers et Chantiers de Nantes building; street parking is limited to 15 minutes.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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