Explora – Fabrique de curiosités
Science culture center in Saint-Étienne, near the Puits Couriot: hands-on workshops in science through tinkering and a free science park.
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About the museum
Explora is a science culture venue run by the City of Saint-Étienne, managed by La Rotonde, the center for scientific, technical and industrial culture of Mines Saint-Étienne. It is located in the Tarentaize-Beaubrun-Couriot district, next to the Couriot site.
The venue is based on the philosophy of “makers”: learning by doing, having fun and working together. It consists of two areas: ExploraLab, a building for creating and experimenting, and ExploraParc, a park for testing and playing.
Explora welcomes the general public, schools and leisure centers, from age 3 onward. It also serves as an experimental lab for professionals in science education and mediation.
Highlights
- Hands-on science and technology workshops, from age 3
- ExploraParc: free park, open access all year round
- Jardin du Carbonifère, Zone Sonore and the Pique-nique Électrique swings
- Located next to the Puits Couriot and the Parc Joseph Sanguedolce
Permanent exhibition
- ExploraParc – A free science park with games and installations open to all: the Jardin du Carbonifère, the Zone Sonore and the swings of the Pique-nique Électrique.
- Operated by
- Ville de Saint-Étienne, gestion par La Rotonde (Mines Saint-Étienne)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4.50Children under 16, students, job seekers, holders of the Pass’Région Seniors of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, people with disabilities, teachers and youth and adult education workers |
| Children & teens | €4.50Price of one workshop for children under 16. |
| Groups | €3.50 per personSchools and leisure centers: €3.50 per child; accompanying adults free. |
| Full-day format workshop, full price | €12 |
| Full-day format workshop, reduced rate | €8 |
The prices apply to the workshops (full price: €6.50; reduced rate: €4.50). The Explora park is free and open access all year round. Workshops must be booked in advance.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- 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: no information
- Audio description: no information
According to the Explora website, the venue is suitable for visitors with reduced mobility and for strollers.
Kids & families
Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 3+
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Playground / play area
Workshops grouped by age from age 3, and the ExploraParc with games and installations open to all.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
La Pareille
Bus M2 (La Pareille stop), M7 (Musée de la Mine stop) and line 24 (Pierre Semard stop); train: Saint-Étienne Le Clapier station; VéliVert self-service bike station Le Clapier.
By car
Free parking
A few free spaces on site, in the Calixte Plotton zone. Paid parking nearby: Le Clapier car park and the Musée de la Mine car park.
On foot, Explora is 15 minutes from the city center; you can also reach it from the Parc Joseph Sanguedolce, which adjoins the Puits Couriot.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Wi-Fi
The Saint-Étienne tourism portal mentions Wi-Fi, a picnic area and a playground. Animals are not admitted.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Workshops are offered from age 3, by registration, with science mediators from La Rotonde. Possible workshop times: 10:00–12:00, 14:00–16:00, or the full day (10:00–12:00 and 14:00–16:00), depending on the workshop booked. School groups come from Tuesday to Friday; leisure centers come on Wednesday afternoons and during the holidays. |
