The PACCARD Bell Museum opened in 1984 in Annecy-le-Vieux (Haute-Savoie).  The inspiration for the museum came from a successful open house held by bell founder Pierre Paccard and his wife Françoise to share the art of bell making.  Today, the museum, since renamed to the shorter “PACCARD Museum,” provides a wide range of educational opportunities and is dedicated to raising public awareness about the craft of making fine cast bronze bells.  It serves as a repository of historical information about bell making, and provides visitors with a unique look at the history of the PACCARD Bell Foundry.

Moved to Sevrier, near Annecy's Lake, in 1989, it houses a collection of tools, documents, engravings, pictures and bells which provide a fascinating history of the PACCARD Bell Foundry, and the fine art of making bells.  A 20-minute video allows visitors to watch the making of the largest set of swinging bells in the world, including the casting of a 19-ton bell.

While the museum offers an historic glimpse into the legacy of the PACCARD Bell Foundry and the craft of making fine cast bronze bells, that’s just the beginning.  The PACCARD Museum is also the place to learn about current bell-making technologies, as well as exciting future developments that are just now in the planning phase.  Come visit the PACCARD Museum and explore the past, present, and future of bell making at the PACCARD Museum and Bell Foundry.