The history of the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF) begins in 1924. In response to a crisis in the manual professions, a “national employment exhibition” invited workers to compete to become “the best worker in France”. Over the course of subsequent years, the award became an institution, and the famous bronze and enamel medal was created in 1932 by the engraver Lagriffoul. In 1935, the National Education Minister made the title of Un des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France official by State Diploma.

The Meilleurs Ouvriers de France represent 162 disciplines covering carpenters, hair dressers, corset makers, cheese makers… Prestigious companies such as Baccarat, Dior Couture, Hermès cuir, IBM and the RATP work with professionals from this select group. A number of them are also employed by the major French palaces on restoration and decoration projects or in the kitchens. Today, these special skills range from luxury high quality artisan and industrial to modern high-tech professions. For example, many MOF winners are among the most highly qualified people working at EADS, the world's leading aeronautical organisation.

The MOF competition requires months or even years of highly detailed and in-depth work. The qualification and final phases require one or more practical tests involving the creation of one or more pieces of work. Candidates are judged on a range of qualities: dexterity, knowledge of modern techniques and traditional expertise, creativity and aesthetic sense. They may apply individually or as a group.

Becoming Un des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France is an amazing springboard to further opportunities. It is a guarantee of excellence with professionals and the public in France and abroad. A number of highly significant projects have been carried out by the meilleurs ouvriers de France, including the restoration of the Statue of Liberty in New York, making the windows in the Yamoussoukro Basilica in Ivory Coast and the crystal dome to protect the famous Black Stone in Saudi Arabia. The only one of its kind in the world, the title of un des meilleurs ouvriers de France has a bright future.

Musée national des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France
Created in 1995, the Musée national des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France is an initiative by the Ville de Bourges in the centre of France and the Société des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France. It is located within the precincts of the ancien palais archiépiscopal, a hundred or so metres south of the Cathédrale Saint-Etienne. Displayed on two levels, collections of award-winning works of art, souvenirs and medals tell the history of the MOF movement since its creation.