Musée de l'outil
Small association-run museum in a house dating from 1618: more than 2,000 tools from over 35 trades, displayed on three levels with guided tours by volunteers.
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About the museum
The association Les Amis de l’outil was founded in 1983 by a group of friends who wanted to keep alive the memory of manual work. It is today officially approved and run by volunteers with the support of the commune of Bièvres. The museum was created in March 1996 and inaugurated in April of the same year by the mayor.
It occupies a building dating from 1618, in the centre of the village next to the church. The museum has been enlarged and also houses a library. The collections come mainly from donations by private individuals, former craftspeople and members, supplemented by purchases, and they are maintained by volunteers.
More than 2,000 tools are displayed across three levels, classified and staged by trade: stone, metal, thread, leather, vine, wood, and the history of writing. They represent more than 35 trades, many of which are still practised today as craft trades. Volunteer guides explain the function and history of the tools. Each year, the association also organises the International Tool Fair (Foire internationale à l’outil) on May 1 and an apple pressing on the Place de l’Église in autumn. A trail through the village, the “Musée dans la ville”, showcases around a dozen machines.
Highlights
- More than 2,000 tools from over 35 trades
- Three-level route, with a lift
- Tools and trades of stone, metal, wood, leather and the vine
- History of writing
- “Musée dans la ville” trail with around a dozen machines
Permanent exhibition
- Collection d'outils par métiers – More than 2,000 tools classified by trade: stone, metal, thread, leather, vine, wood and the history of writing.
- Founded
- 1996
- Operated by
- Association Les Amis de l'outil (LADO)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Children aged 11 to 18 |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 10 · Free up to age 10; €3 up to age 18. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €5 per personAdult groups pay per person; school groups pay €2 per pupil, with free admission for the accompanying adult. |
Payment by bank card, cheque or cash.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum spans three levels and has a lift; the museum says it welcomes visitors with disabilities.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 10 |
|---|
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Playful and instructive learning materials are available. Admission is free up to age 10.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Gare de Bièvres
RER C, Bièvres station.
By car
Parking available
The museum is in the centre of the village, on the Place de l’Église, and can be reached via the N118 national road or the A86 motorway. The museum says it has a car park.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | All visits are commentated by volunteer guides. An educational route is offered to school groups, with playful or instructive materials. The visit can be extended with the “Musée dans la ville” trail, which showcases around a dozen machines in the village. |
