Musée de l'Institut Pasteur de Lille
Museum in Albert Calmette's former apartments, tracing the history of the Institut Pasteur de Lille and the discovery of the BCG vaccine.
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About the museum
The museum tells the story of the Institut Pasteur de Lille from its founding in 1894 to the early days of modern research and prevention. It is located in Albert Calmette's former apartments. It was within these walls that he developed, with the veterinarian Camille Guérin, the bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), a tuberculosis vaccine; the original strains are displayed here.
The circuit also explores the links between Louis Pasteur and Lille: in 1854, while dean of the faculty of sciences, he studied alcoholic fermentation here. Four rooms bring together period manuscripts, historical scientific instruments, rare documents and objects, Albert Calmette's laboratory notebook and a reconstruction of his office.
The staging combines a cabinet of curiosities, a period laboratory and digital installations: flasks that come to life on video, a letter that writes itself, a little mouse in the fireplace. The visit is self-guided, with a free audio guide on your smartphone, and a game trail is offered to children aged 8 to 12.
Highlights
- Original BCG strains, the tuberculosis vaccine
- Albert Calmette's laboratory notebook and reconstructed office
- Calmette's former apartments turned into a museum
- Staging with animated videos and laboratory objects
- Game trail “La Souris égarée de Louis” for ages 8 to 12
Permanent exhibition
- L’aventure pasteurienne – Four rooms on the history of the Institut Pasteur de Lille, with manuscripts, instruments, BCG strains and Albert Calmette's reconstructed office.
- Operated by
- Institut Pasteur de Lille
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Ages 12 to 25, students, job seekers, people with disabilities |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 11 · Free for under 12s; reduced rate for ages 12 to 25. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €3Reduced rate for people with disabilities. |
| Students & apprentices | €3Reduced rate for students. |
| Groups | –Group visits by reservation Monday to Friday at a flat rate (amount not published). |
Free for children under 12 and holders of the City-Pass card.
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
The site indicates access for visitors with reduced mobility.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 45 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 11 |
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Game trail “La Souris égarée de Louis” for children aged 8 to 12: a question booklet leads to a secret code, and the reward is a diploma as a young researcher.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Lille Grand Palais
Metro line 2, stop “Lille Grand Palais”.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
Up to 40 guests.
The museum can be rented privately for business events (seminars, conferences, meetings): one meeting room for up to 40 people, with Wi-Fi, projector, microphones and video conferencing; catering on request.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Audio guide | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | On weekends, the visit is self-guided with the Wivisites app (free audio guide to use on your own smartphone). Estimated visit duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour. |
