Espace Mendès-France

About the museum

The Espace Mendès France grew out of the work of researchers and enthusiasts from the University of Poitiers who, in the late 1970s, went out to meet residents to talk about science. Today it is an association under the French law of 1901 and a centre for scientific, technical and industrial culture on the Place de la Cathédrale in Poitiers.

Its missions are to make research and its professions known, to explain the scientific method and to address major societal questions while fostering critical thinking. It offers exhibitions, activities, lectures, shows and astronomy sessions, and coordinates the Fête de la science (Science Festival) across four départements. It also works beyond its walls, in the Vienne, the Deux-Sèvres, the Charente and the Charente-Maritime.

The building includes a 96-seat planetarium, which shows the night sky in real time with a science facilitator, a 114-seat lecture hall, a meeting room, an outdoor atrium and exhibition spaces. A venue devoted to arts and science, the Lieu multiple, was created in 1999 and hosts resident artists. The association also publishes the review Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Éditions Atlantique.

Highlights

• 96-seat planetarium with astronomy sessions and shows
• Interactive exhibitions for families, some free to enter
• Science workshops for children from age 3 and for teenagers
• Free lectures and events for the Science Festival
• Lieu multiple for arts and science

Operated by

Association Espace Mendès France (loi de 1901)

Visitors per year

approx. 93,811

Admission & discounts

Access to the building and several exhibitions is free; other exhibitions and planetarium shows are paid and booked online. Autumn 2026 rates: paid exhibition €6 full price, €4 for children, reduced rate or members; Le bazar des illusions at a single rate of €4; planetarium €7 full price, €5 for children, €4 reduced rate or members, the “Ciel du soir” session free; workshops from €6 to €15. The Joker card gives €3.50 for several activities. Pass Culture is accepted. Lectures are free. Special rates for groups on request.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• 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
• Audio description: no information

A welcome booklet with pictograms is available at reception and for download, along with short explanatory sheets. A welcome kit with communication tools can be borrowed against ID. The centre offers some activities in French Sign Language. Information on physical access to the building is not published; the centre asks visitors to get in touch.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Interactive exhibitions, science workshops for ages 3 to 6 (1 hour) and 8 to 12 (1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours), children’s planetarium shows, and activities during school holidays and on Sundays. The centre states that science is accessible from age 3. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult for workshops. The minimum age varies by exhibition and session, from 3 to 10 years.

Getting there & parking

Bike racks on site allow bicycles to be locked up.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Zn Café is the bar-restaurant on site. A selection of books from Éditions Atlantique is available online.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 114 guests.

Lecture hall with 114 seats, meeting room with 18 seats, planetarium with 96 seats and spatialised sound, outdoor atrium with 100 seats on tiered steps, exhibition spaces and the Zn Café. Events for groups of 10 to 100 people; buffet lunch for up to 50 people and cocktails for up to 100.

Plan your visit