Named after the Conservatoire national des arts et métiers ('arts and trades') nearby.
The abbé Henri Grégoire founded the Conservatoire in 1794, during the Revolution, 'to perfect national industry'. It taught through demonstrations using scientific instruments and machines. In 1798 it was given part of the former priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs, where its seat and its museum, the Musée des Arts et Métiers, still are.