Welcome to histalu.orgThe site for the history of aluminium
A specialized resource centre
A specialized resource centre

The IHA resource centre manages a very extensive collection of documents (more than 14 000) - the oldest dating back to 1858 - relating to the history of aluminium, its industrial past, important historical figures, manufacturing processes and its various uses and applications. More

A specialized resource centre
A specialized resource centre

The IHA resource centre manages a very extensive collection of documents (more than 14 000) - the oldest dating back to 1858 - relating to the history of aluminium, its industrial past, important historical figures, manufacturing processes and its various uses and applications.

Discover our collections of objects
Discover our collections of objects

From goldsmithing to aeronautics, the multiplicity of uses of this light metal bears witness to the major technical and societal developments of the last 150 years. More

Discover our collections of objects
Discover our collections of objects

From goldsmithing to aeronautics, the multiplicity of uses of this light metal bears witness to the major technical and societal developments of the last 150 years.

The Grégoire IHA automotive collection
The Grégoire IHA automotive collection

The IHA is the owner of a unique automotive collection of eleven vehicles and three chassis developed by engineer Jean-Albert Grégoire. The collection is presented in the permanent exhibition of the Cité de l'Automobile (“The City of the Automobile”) - National Museum - Schlumpf Collection in Mulhouse and has been classified as a historic collection. More

Discover the photographic collections preserved by the IHA
Discover the photographic collections preserved by the IHA

The IHA manages two important photographic collections, including the " French Aluminium " collection. These collections represent a significant aesthetic and documentary contribution to world’s visual memory of the aluminium industry. More

Discover the photographic collections kept by the IHA
Discover the photographic collections kept by the IHA

The IHA manages two important photographic collections, including the "Aluminum Français" collection. Of great documentary and aesthetic value, these collections represent the visual memory of the world of the aluminum industry.

Archives to explore
Archives to explore

Since its creation in 1986, the IHA has received, as a gifts or on loan, archives that are unused or risk being lost. In order to meet to these needs, IHA has become a centre for the conservation and management of these archives. More

Archives to explore
Archives to explore

The IHA is also a center for the conservation and management of archives. Researchers can access the archives of the IHA, which is also the scientific intermediary for consulting the archives of the Rio Tinto group in France. More

The IHA: A Centre of Resources and Expertise on Aluminium

  • A unique collection of objects, photographs, and documentary resources
  • Research Coordination: facilitation, support for researchers, management of research projects
  • Recognized expertise in the promotion of heritage, publishing, assistance and the production of exhibitions...

News Closure of our researchers reception room

Due to the end-of-year holidays, the IHA researchers reception room will be closed to the public from December 23 2024 to January 3 2025 inclusive. Our entire team wishes you happy holidays!

"Matières à penser" exhibition

This exhibition, of which IHA is a partner, is travelling to Belgium. After taking place in April 2023 at ENSA Paris- Val de Seine, it will be presented at the Centre des métiers du patrimoine ‘La Paix-Dieu’ (Amay, Belgium) from 04 November to 12 December 2024.

Our Collections of Objects

The IHA is an important institutional stakeholder in the preservation of aluminium arts and crafts and industrial design

From goldsmithing to aeronautics, the multiple uses of aluminium bears witness to the major technical developments of the last 150 years

Support of Research Initiatives

The IHA is an important centre for research

Contributes and promote research in social sciences, economic history, the history of technical innovation related to aluminium

Aluminium Journal

A documentary and visual resource for the history of aluminium

The issues from 1 to 238 (1924-1956) have been digitized and are freely available in our digital library

Historical Timeline

Facts, dates, references...

Aluminium wasn’t isolated into its atomic state until the middle of the 19th century. A “young” metal compared to iron, copper or gold, which have been around since antiquity.