La Cité des Sciences et de L'lndustrie
30 Ave. Corentin Cariou, Paris, Île-de-France, 75019
Europe’s largest science museum, La Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie (City of Science and Industry), comprises an enormous range of interactive exhibits, hands-on experiences, and other attractions that appeal to visitors of all ages. The building’s sleek, futuristic design is a nod to its commitment to modernity and innovation, and its mission is to make science accessible to all.
The Basics
Housed in a striking building with a shimmering glass facade and large geodesic dome known as La Géode, the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie (City of Science and Industry) encompasses a wide array of innovative exhibition spaces. The museum campus houses an ultrahigh-definition planetarium, an aquarium, several theaters, a submarine (the Argonaute), children’s play areas (La Cité des Enfants), a library, and numerous other galleries. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, interactive workshops, and daily demonstrations, guided tours, and performances.
The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie is included in the Paris Pass, which offers hop-on hop-off transportation and admission to more than 60 attractions. This sight can also be glimpsed from the water during a tour of the Seine River and canals.
Things to Know Before You Go
The striking La Géode cinema will be closed for renovations from November 2018 until 2020.
The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie offers multiple on-site eateries, ranging from fast food to fine dining.
Audio-guide tours are free of charge; use your smartphone to scan QR codes throughout the museum.
The museum is accessible to visitors with limited mobility. Disabled visitors receive free admission, and the museum lends out wheelchairs.
How to Get There
There are numerous ways to reach the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie. Take Metro Line 7 to the Porte de la Villette station, take tram T3b to the Porte de la Villette stop, or take RER E to Pantin station. Alternatively, the museum is served by bus lines 139, 150, and 152. You can also reach the museum by Vélib’ bike, by car, on foot, or even by canal boat.
When to Get There
The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie is open from 10am to 6pm, Tuesday to Saturday, and from 10am to 7pm on Sunday (though hours for select screenings and events may differ). It is closed Monday, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and May 1. The calendar of events and exhibitions is always changing, so it’s worth making repeat visits.
Parc de la Villette
Paris’ largest landscaped park, the Parc de la Villette, located on the northeastern edge of the city, offers numerous other attractions in addition to the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie. It also houses the Cité de la Musique, the Philharmonie de Paris, Le Zénith (an enormous outdoor concert venue), and more.
Ways to explore
La Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie is home to a wide array of innovative exhibition spaces, from the bi-level Great Story of the Universe zone, which takes you on a journey through the origins of the universe to Space Mission, where you step into astronauts’ shoes, and Robots, where you can interact with robots. There’s also an ultrahigh-definition planetarium, an aquarium, children’s play areas, and temporary exhibitions.
Entrance to La Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie is included in certain Paris attraction passes, and you can often spot the building from the water while on a Seine River cruise.
Accessibility
La Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie is wheelchair accessible.
Age limits
The museum is suitable for visitors ages 2 years and up.
What to pack
Smartphone and charger (to access the audio guide)
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, light layers
Not allowed
Large bags (you can check them), pets
Amenities
Wi-Fi, restrooms, baby changing facilities, food vendors, gift shop
Address
La Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie is located in Paris’ La Villette district, in the 19th arrondissement.
Driving
Take the north Paris ring road (Périphérique) and exit at Porte de la Villette. Paid parking is available at the entrances on Boulevard Macdonald and Quai de la Charente.
Public transportation
The museum is a 3-minute walk from Porte de la Villette station, located on Paris Métro Line 7. You can also take tram number 3b to Porte de la Villette, or buses 71, 139, 150, and 152, which all stop nearby.
Best times to visit
The museum is typically quietest in the early morning, soon after opening.
Best days to visit
Weekdays are typically less crowded than weekends.
Best months to visit
The indoor exhibitions are particularly appealing on gloomy winter days.
Special events
The museum hosts a variety of events throughout the year and, in November, it participates in France’s annual Fête de la Science (Science Festival).
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