Forum départemental des sciences de Villeneuve-d'Ascq

About the museum

The project for a science forum in Villeneuve-d’Ascq was launched in 1985 by the Lille association for scientific information and outreach (ALIAS), which aimed to make science accessible to the general public. The building, designed by architect Jean-Claude Burdèse, opened on December 14, 1996 as the “Forum des sciences – Centre François Mitterrand.”

Since January 1, 2006, the facility has been run by the Nord Department and is called the Forum départemental des sciences. It now presents itself as a center for scientific, technical and industrial culture. It renews its program every year and also runs outreach activities beyond its walls with traveling tools, such as a mobile planetarium and exhibitions.

Covering about 4,000 m², the Forum houses a reception area, a 1,000 m² exhibition hall, the Petit Forum, a documentation center, a planetarium and a cabinet of curiosities. The planetarium was renovated in 2025: under a dome 14 m in diameter, it offers hybrid shows that combine a realistic starry sky with 360-degree digital projections.

Highlights

• Planetarium with a 14 m dome, renovated in 2025, with shows from age 3
• Enigma: an imaginary town where visitors conduct scientific investigations (from age 7)
• 1,000 m² exhibition hall
• Espace d’Atom: mini-workshops for children aged 2 to 4
• Cabinet of curiosities

Permanent exhibitions

• Planétarium – Shows led by a facilitator under a 14 m dome, exploring the Solar System, the stars and the galaxy, from age 3.
• Enigma – An imaginary town where visitors carry out scientific investigations; three themed sessions, one of which is offered every week.

Founded

1996

Operated by

Département du Nord

Visitors per year

approx. 57,440

Admission & discounts

Free admission: The first Sunday of every month; during national or regional days and events in which the Forum takes part

Prices from €4 depending on the activity (temporary exhibition, Enigma and Petit Forum: adult €8; planetarium: adult €9). Free admission with proof, in particular for children under 3 (except activities for young children), recipients of social minimum benefits, C’ART subscribers, holders of an ICOM or ICOMOS card, accredited journalists and staff of the Nord Department. Holders of the City Pass enter free. At the time of research, online ticketing was unavailable; tickets are then reserved by phone.

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 exhibitions are designed to be accessible to visitors with reduced mobility; the lift is located under the stairs at the main entrance. The planetarium has 4 wheelchair spaces. Guided tours are available for people with disabilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties: not available

Activities for all ages: planetarium from age 3 with sessions for 3- to 6-year-olds, Espace d’Atom for 2- to 4-year-olds, the Croque Couleurs exhibition for 3- to 6-year-olds, and Enigma from age 7. The Forum does not host children’s birthday parties.

Getting there & parking

By car: motorways A1 or A22, then RN 227 towards Villeneuve d’Ascq, exit 3 “Hôtel de Ville.” The Forum is close to the Aushopping V2 shopping center.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Meeting rooms and reception spaces for business events (seminars, colloquia, gala evenings), with private tours and custom workshops possible.

Plan your visit