The invention concerns a device for encapsulating an element within a microcavity made on a support (10), this device comprising an encapsulating membrane (12) capable of forming at least one part of the microcavity,characterized in that the device comprises at least one arm which mechanically attaches the membrane to the support, this arm being capable of bending so as to shift the membrane between: an open position in which the membrane overhangs the element to be encapsulated and its periphery defines an aperture extending around the element to be encapsulated, and a shut position in which the periphery of the encapsulation membrane rests on the support to obstruct this aperture.