La Rotonde
Scientific culture centre of the École des Mines de Saint-Étienne, with the Soucoupe, a venue for exhibitions and workshops to discover science.
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About the museum
La Rotonde is the centre for scientific, technical and industrial culture of the École des Mines de Saint-Étienne. For about twenty-five years, it has been promoting science to all audiences through exhibitions, events, meetings and educational tools. It presents itself as the only centre of its kind integrated into a major engineering school.
The centre's historic venue is the Soucoupe, at 158 cours Fauriel, within the school grounds. It hosts the annual cultural programme: interactive exhibitions, events and meetings, run by science mediators. Visitors handle and experiment, from the youngest children to adults.
La Rotonde also manages Explora, a venue dedicated to “doing science” on the Couriot site, near the Musée de la Mine. Explora is run by the City of Saint-Étienne and opened in 2021. It includes a workshop building, ExploraLab, and a park, ExploraParc. A third site, Explora Provence, is located in Gardanne.
The centre is supported by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, the City of Saint-Étienne, Saint-Étienne Métropole, the Loire Department, the State and Europe.
Highlights
- La Soucoupe: interactive exhibitions on science, run by mediators
- Explora: workshops for making and experimenting on the Couriot site
- Programmes for toddlers, families and school groups
- Centre integrated into the École des Mines de Saint-Étienne
- Operated by
- École des Mines de Saint-Étienne (Mines Saint-Étienne)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Under 16, students, job seekers, people with disabilities, teachers and education populaire facilitators |
| Children & teens | €4Reduced rate for children under 16. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €4Reduced rate for people with disabilities. |
| Students & apprentices | €4 |
Single price per session. Booking online or by phone.
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: no information
- Audio description: no information
According to the website, the venue welcomes visitors with disabilities and strollers. Animals are not accepted.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
La Soucoupe offers hands-on routes, including for children aged 2 to 6 when accompanied. Explora offers making workshops for young and old.
Getting there & parking
The Soucoupe is located within the grounds of the École des Mines, 158 cours Fauriel. Explora is on rue Calixte-Plotton, near the Musée de la Mine.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Exhibitions and workshops are led by science mediators during sessions at fixed times. Specific offers exist for school classes. |
