What if, for once, we could taste science rather than just observe it? On Friday, October 2, 2026, the Musée des Arts et Métiers will undergo a complete transformation for one free night . Chili peppers, edible insects, rare citrus fruits, culinary experiments, and even a journey through the stars with Thierry Marx. From 7 p.m. to midnight, chefs and scientists will bring the collections to life in a whole new way, with an evening that’s sure to tantalize both your taste buds and your curiosity.
An evening where science comes to the table
Forget the traditional museum displays for a few hours. As part of the Fête de la Science, the Musée des Arts et Métiers is transforming its collections into a veritable testing ground. This year, the theme “Savory Science” brings together two worlds that are ultimately much closer than one might think: cooking and science.
Here, there’s no question of remaining a mere spectator. Throughout the evening, visitors will be able to handle, test, observe, and taste as they take part in demonstrations and meet the experts. Chefs and scientists will work in pairs in an amazing “culinary laboratory” set up in the heart of the museum.
On the agenda, for example, we’ll explore what really happens when our food encounters cold temperatures. Other experiments will examine our microbiome and how what we eat influences the billions of microorganisms living in our bodies. It’s sure to make you look at your fridge and your plate in a whole new light when you get home.
Chili peppers, insects, and lemon caviar on the menu
The most interesting part begins at 9:30 p.m. with Mexican chef Mercedes Ahumada. She’ll join anthropologists and entomologists to explain what tickles our taste buds…but also what turns us off.
In the spotlight: chili peppers and edible insects. Discussions will focus on how our habits influence what we eat—or what we don’t eat. And to ensure it’s not just theory, Chef Mercedes Ahumada will have prepared dishes to be sampled during the discussions.
Around 10:15 p.m., the scene will change completely. Citrus fruits will , in turn, take center stage. You’ll be able to discover cedart, kumquats, bergamot, and even caviar lemons… far more exotic than our ordinary lemons and oranges, which will of course be there as well. These varieties are part of the INARE collection in San Guiliano, Corsica. The main idea behind this part of the evening is to discover all the flavors, aromas, and textures that can be found in our citrus fruits. You’ll also learn how these varieties are preserved and studied.
From the Plate to the Stars with Thierry Marx
The evening isn’t limited to a tasting or discussions among experts. Cuisine will meet astrophysics around 8:30 p.m. with an unexpected experience.
Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx, astrophysicist David Elbaz, and filmmaker Geneviève Anhoury will present “Astronome Gastronome.” The concept involves using everyday foods to recreate images that almost resemble galaxies, nebulae, or other cosmic phenomena.
But the idea goes beyond simply creating pretty designs with food. Each composition serves as a starting point for discussing and better understanding the phenomena it represents. Marx, Elbaz, and Anhoury will reflect on this unlikely encounter between cuisine and astrophysics in front of the audience.
A little later, biologist Bernard Sablonnière will explore another phenomenon we’re familiar with but don’t truly understand: taste. The nose, tongue, palate, smells, and sensations send thousands of signals to our brain to create the flavors we experience when we eat.
A unique evening at the Musée des Arts et Métiers
The entire experience takes place in a setting that makes this evening truly unique. Tasting, learning, and discussing right in the midst of the Musée des Arts et Métiers’ collections: truly one-of-a-kind.
Science Night will kick off an entire weekend dedicated to the Science Festival. On October 3 and 4, the museum will continue the activities with the Science Village, workshops, other events, and new culinary experiences.
Between edible insects, a galaxy on your plate, lemon caviar, and experimental cuisine, you have no excuse not to dust off your lab coats.
Location: Musée des Arts et Métiers, 60 rue Réaumur, 75003, Paris
Date: Friday, October 2, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to midnight
Admission: Free