Casting is an art in itself. The techniques can be learned, but it takes a lot of time and patience to create the masterpieces that we can still admire today. Years of learning are necessary and the gestures must be repeated a thousand times. The Conservatoire des arts de la métallurgie (Conservatory of the Arts of Metallurgy) in Dommartin-le-Franc (Haute-Marne) is also there to explain the metalworking trades. Its collection of 19th and 20th century cast iron art models is impressive.