Gardening
- Cité des sciences et de l'industrie, Paris
14 Oct - 12 Jul 2026
From€15.00
Recommended
From
€15.00
The exhibition Tech Through Time #2: The Typewriter (or Machine arrière #2) at the Cité des sciences et de l'industrie offers a profound exploration of our relationship with written communication by adopting a unique reverse chronology. Rather than a linear progression, the curation invites visitors to travel backward from the ubiquity of modern digital keyboards and smartphones to the mechanical precursors of 1936. This "rewinding" technique serves as a brilliant curatorial theme, highlighting that while the interface of the keyboard has remained remarkably static for nearly a century, the technological and sociopolitical contexts surrounding it have undergone radical shifts.
Central to the exhibition’s historical significance is its focus on the sociopolitical implications of technology, particularly regarding female empowerment and labor. Through graphic frescoes and a collection of iconic historical objects, the showcase moves beyond mere technical innovation to examine the "gendered" nature of the typing profession. It juxtaposes the idealized image of the independent, modern typist against the harsh reality of the typing pool, where the typewriter functioned as a tool for both professional integration and industrial exploitation under the pressures of Taylorism.
The emotional resonance of the display is most potently captured in the immersive audio experience created in collaboration with Radio France. Visitors are invited to sit and listen to an audio drama that transports them to the year 1936, a period of intense social upheaval and the rise of the Popular Front. Amidst the rhythmic, mechanical din of Remington typewriters, listeners inhabit the daily lives of workers like Louise, experiencing the tension between the "click-clack" of the keys and the burgeoning strikes and demands for workers' rights. This spatialized soundscape transforms the typewriter from a silent relic into a living witness to human struggle.
Ultimately, this exhibition succeeds in bridging the gap between generations, making it a masterful example of pedagogical curation. By tracing the lineage of the virtual keyboard back to its tactile, mechanical ancestors, it fosters a dialogue between those who remember the weight of a carriage return and a younger generation for whom writing is an ethereal, digital act. It serves as a nostalgic yet critical reminder that every technological advancement is inextricably linked to the social transformations and the quest for rights that define our collective history.
Highlights
- The Reverse Chronological Timeline allows visitors to trace the evolution of the keyboard from modern smartphones back to 1936.
- An Immersive Audio Gallery transports guests into a 1936 typing pool to experience the rhythmic atmosphere and working conditions of the era.
- Five detailed Graphic Frescoes illustrate the complex links between technological innovations and their sociopolitical contexts.
- A collection of Iconic Objects showcases the physical development of communication devices from heavy mechanical machines to digital precursors.
- The Radio France Audio Drama tells the story of a young typist named Louise to highlight the history of female empowerment and social change.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tech Through Time #2: The Typewriter
Yes, access to the 'The Typewriter' exhibition is included with the standard 'Explora' pass, which grants entry to most permanent and temporary exhibits at the Cité des sciences et de l'industrie.
A visit typically lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour, allowing you to explore the reverse-chronological timeline and the various mechanical objects on display.
Photography and filming for personal use are permitted, provided you do not use a flash or tripod to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.
Yes, the exhibition is designed for a wide audience and is particularly engaging for children and teenagers who can discover the mechanical ancestors of today's digital keyboards.
Yes, the entire Cité des sciences et de l'industrie, including the 'Machine arrière #2' exhibition area, is fully accessible to visitors using wheelchairs.
Yes, the exhibition features an immersive environment and a 'Reverse Chronological Timeline' that helps visitors visualize the technological evolution of communication tools.
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