Cap Sciences

About the museum

Cap Sciences is a non-profit association that has been granted the status of a centre for scientific, technical and industrial culture by the State. It was founded in Bordeaux in the mid-1990s on the initiative of three founders, and held its first exhibition in 1995 in a former warehouse on the quays, Hangar 16.

In 2002 the centre moved to Hangar 20, a building designed by Bordeaux architect Bernard Schweitzer on the Quai de Bacalan, opposite the Pont Chaban-Delmas. Since then the site has offered interactive exhibitions, experiments, workshops and courses for children, as well as events for all ages.

The centre takes a hands-on approach: visitors handle and experiment rather than simply look. It presents a large exhibition and a thematic exhibition, often prepared with researchers, and permanently offers “Le P’tit Cap”, a play area for accompanied children aged 3 to 6. Other sites complement the offer, such as Cap’Archéo, Côté sciences and the Fablab.

Highlights

• Large and thematic interactive exhibitions, renewed every year
• Le P’tit Cap: permanent play area for 3- to 6-year-olds
• Experiments and science shows, planetarium
• Workshops and courses for children, Cap Sciences Juniors
• Hangar 20 on the quays, opposite the Pont Chaban-Delmas

Permanent exhibition

• Le P'tit Cap – Play and discovery area for accompanied 3- to 6-year-olds: a magic forest, a vegetable garden, a sound book and experiments on balance, gears and mirrors.

Founded

1994

Operated by

Cap Sciences (association loi 1901)

Admission & discounts

The prices shown are those of the large exhibition. Permanent offer: 20% discount on experiments when buying a ticket for an exhibition. Free admission for recipients of minimum social benefits, holders of the ICOM card, press card and membership card (exhibitions), and for holders of the CityPass Bordeaux (large exhibition). Partner discounts for the Bordeaux Métropole youth card and the Mollat card. Payment by card, cash, ANCV holiday vouchers and culture vouchers; bank cheques are no longer accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Access ramp for people with reduced mobility up to the entrance door (to the left of the building, on the bridge side); one disabled parking space (ring at the barrier). Wheelchair available at reception on request. Sensory bags (noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, stress toys) and multilingual translation tablets are lent at reception against ID. Quiet times recommended on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 16:00. The venue is listed on Acceslibre.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Le P’tit Cap is reserved for accompanied children aged 3 to 6. Cap Sciences Juniors workshops and holiday courses. Birthday parties for up to 15 children (€195 on Wednesdays, €220 at weekends; Le P’tit Cap €160 or €180). Changing tables in the toilets on the first and third floors.

Getting there & parking

Cycle path and Le Vélo bike-share stations nearby (Bassins à flot, La Cité du Vin, Les Hangars).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi throughout the building (network “public”). Science café with terrace, open only during school holidays; drink and snack vending machines on the first floor; museum shop; coded lockers on the first and third floors; scooter rack.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Six workspaces and a terrace for seminars, cocktails, team-building days and science events; turnkey service with recommended caterers.

Plan your visit