La Coupole
Former World War II bunker near Saint-Omer, housing a history centre on the German occupation and the V2 rockets, as well as a 3D planetarium.
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About the museum
La Coupole is an underground structure built during the Second World War in the Pas-de-Calais département. It is a concrete bunker whose dome measures 42.73 metres in diameter, with walls 8 metres thick and galleries dug 33 metres underground. It was meant to prepare and launch V2 rockets towards London, about 180 kilometres away.
Today the galleries house the Centre d’Histoire 39–45. The route covers the occupation, the V1 and V2 secret weapons, and the link between these first rockets and the conquest of space. It draws on period objects, archives, testimonies, models, films and soundscapes, and also pays tribute to people affected by the war. Visitors move at their own pace with the HistoPad, an augmented-reality tablet included with the ticket.
Under the dome, the 3D Planetarium offers immersive 360-degree shows about the sky, the planets and the exploration of the universe. Each show begins with a live introduction by a science educator. The site also hosts free temporary exhibitions and runs an astronomy school, a resource centre and a cultural programme of talks and workshops.
Highlights
- Underground galleries of a former Second World War bunker
- Route on the occupation, the V2 rockets and the conquest of space
- 3D Planetarium with immersive 360-degree projections
- HistoPad augmented-reality tablet included with the ticket
- Audio guide in seven languages
Permanent exhibitions
- Centre d'Histoire 39-45 – Route through the bunker galleries on the Second World War, the V1 and V2 secret weapons and the beginnings of the space race.
- Planétarium 3D – Immersive shows under a 360-degree dome, introduced by a science educator.
- Founded
- 1943
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €8.50free up to age 3 · Child rate for ages 4 to 12. For youth groups, admission is free under age 4. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €11.50 per personAdult rate for the Centre d’Histoire for groups of 15 or more (€9 for the 3D Planetarium); one free place for every 20 paying visitors, and free admission for the coach driver. Young people aged 4 to 17 in groups pay €7 (Centre d’Histoire) or €5.50 (Planetarium). |
| Families | €34Family pass for 2 adults and 2 children at the 3D Planetarium, with €4 for each additional child. |
| Centre d’Histoire, adult | €13Multilingual audio guide and HistoPad included. |
| Centre d’Histoire, child aged 4 to 12 | €9.50 |
| Centre d’Histoire, family pass | €382 adults and 2 children, €5 for each additional child. |
| Combined Planetarium and Centre d’Histoire ticket, adult | €20.50 |
| Combined ticket, child aged 4 to 12 | €17 |
| Combined ticket, family pass | €682 adults and 2 children, €5 for each additional child. |
The price shown is for the 3D Planetarium show, the lowest admission price. Booking online gives access without queuing. Chèques-Vacances (ANCV) are accepted at the ticket desks.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The site states that it is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. A lift serves the different areas of the Centre d’Histoire, and spaces are reserved for wheelchair users in the 3D Planetarium. Dogs and other animals are not allowed inside; for specific needs, it is advisable to contact the team before the visit.
Kids & families
Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 9+
| Time needed | approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
| Family ticket | €34 · Family pass for 2 adults and 2 children at the 3D Planetarium, with €4 for each additional child. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Kids’ birthday parties
The Centre d’Histoire is recommended from age 9 because of its war-related themes, and the 3D Planetarium from age 6; the films have their own age recommendations. The site offers activities for children, such as the astronomy school, birthday parties and holiday workshops, as well as a family pass with every ticket.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
From Saint-Omer SNCF station, the site is about 5 minutes away by taxi or bus.
By car
Free parking
Free parking on site for cars, coaches and motorhomes.
GPS address: D210, rue André Clabaux, 62570 Wizernes.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
- Coat check
Cafeteria on site. Shop with souvenirs, history books, regional products and gift ideas. Green areas for picnics. Free left-luggage at reception for backpacks, motorcycle helmets and small luggage.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
Flexible meeting rooms for seminars and corporate events, with catering available; the 3D Planetarium can also be hired for private use, or the Centre d’Histoire can be visited with an educator.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (FR, EN, DE, NL, IT, PL, ES) |
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photos without flash are allowed in the Centre d’Histoire; photographing or filming is prohibited during 3D Planetarium shows. |
| Good to know | The Centre d’Histoire can be visited freely with the HistoPad and audio guide, in about two hours; allow three to four hours to include a planetarium show and a break. Groups can book a guided tour of at least 1 h 30 min. The underground galleries stay at about 12 °C all year round, so bring a warm layer. |
