The Paris Metro has a reputation for elegant architecture and design, with its icon Art Nouveau station entrances and interiors. However tucked away on line 11, one of the smaller lines in the network, is something very different. Arts et Métiers station takes its name from the Musée des Arts et Métiers (Museum of Arts and Trades) which it serves. Originally opened in 1935, the station was redesigned in 1994 by a Belgian comic artist, François Schuiten, to celebrate the bicentenary of the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers.
The redesign, in a steampunk style to reflect the work of Jules Verne in 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, is a riot of colour and reflection in the polished copper walls. Added little details include the portholes along each wall, each featuring an image or model inkeeping with the theme, such as the Bessemer converter in the photo below.
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