Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers

The Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers (CNAM) is a public French higher education and research institution founded in 1794. Originally established to collect and disseminate technical and industrial knowledge, it now offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs, including engineering, management, and social sciences. It is known for its open-access and lifelong learning model, serving working professionals and traditional students through campuses across France and distance-learning options. CNAM is a 'grand établissement' under the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. It combines teaching with applied research through its laboratories and institutes, and it houses the historic Musée des arts et métiers, one of the world's oldest science and technology museums. The institution emphasizes innovation, professionalization, and social inclusion, with a strong focus on apprenticeships and adult education.