From industrial disasters to outlandish creations, the Musée des Arts et Métiers ironically explores history’s worst commercial flops. The result? An exhibition as unusual as it is interesting, which has already attracted many visitors since its inauguration last October. A not-to-be-missed cultural outing for the new year.
History’s biggest flops in a captivating exhibition
A warped ping-pong table, giant killer darts and a dangerously flammable Barbie: these are just a few of the many curiosities on show at the Musée des Arts et Métiers. They all have one thing in common: they are inventions that were quickly withdrawn from the market after failing to find their audience. Usually dedicated to historic innovations and the great discoveries that have shaped our world, the Musée des Arts et Métiers is now turning its attention to failure, with a no-holds-barred and, it has to be said, sometimes very funny exhibition!
Dangerous, sometimes too avant-garde or simply useless, these false good ideas make up a four-part tour, exploring the reasons for failure and the fine line between flop and innovation. Part of the exhibition is also dedicated to Katerina Kamprani’s “uncomfortable objects”, and 14 objects belonging to the cultural venue are also on display. Some of the nuggets to be found in the museum include Colgate lasagne, Bic pens for women and a board game dedicated to Donald Trump.
All in all, hundreds of curiosities have been brought together for the first time. It was an opportunity to discover objects whose existence we didn’t even know existed, and to treat ourselves to one of the most unusual exhibitions of the year.
📍Flops!? – Musée des Arts et Métiers, – 60, rue Réaumur, 75003
📆 Until May 17, 2026