Aluminium Space

Located in the Maurienne valley in the French Alps, this museum is devoted to the production and use of aluminium. Maurienne was once called the ‘valley of aluminium’ due to its six production plants opened between 1892 and 1907 using hydroelectric power. The museum, which opened in 2007, occupies a new building in the centre of Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne. The first floor traces the discovery of aluminium and its manufacturing process, from the crushing of the ore to the finished product. The second floor explores the evolution of working conditions and the industry’s impact on health and the environment. The collection includes art, toys, household appliances and tableware, all dating from between the end of the nineteenth century and the present day. A 1950s tapestry visually tells the story of aluminium’s production process (this was itself classified as a Historic Monument in 2017). Collector’s items, scale models and films complete the experience. Guides are available in English, German and Italian.