CERN Science Gateway
Free CERN science centre in Meyrin with interactive exhibitions on particle physics, the quantum world and the universe.
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About the museum
The CERN Science Gateway is the education and visitor centre of the European Organization for Nuclear Research near Geneva. It aims to introduce visitors of all ages to the research at CERN, right next to accelerators, detectors and the people who work there. The building opened in 2023 and complements CERN's existing visitor offerings, including tours to real research sites.
The building was designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop with Brodbeck-Roulet architectes associés. Five structures house three exhibitions, two hands-on laboratories, an auditorium, a shop and a restaurant; a six-metre-high bridge over the main road connects them. Two suspended tubes recall accelerator technology, and raw exposed concrete evokes CERN's industrial character. Around 4,000 square metres of solar panels supply the building and other CERN buildings with energy, and more than 400 trees and 13,000 shrubs provide habitat for animals and plants; in operation the building is climate-neutral.
The exhibitions Our Universe, Quantum World and Discover CERN invite visitors to explore on their own; in addition there are lab workshops, science shows, films, events and guided tours to real CERN sites. Admission is free, but registration is required. Temporary exhibitions take place in the nearby Globe of Science and Innovation.
Highlights
- Free admission to all exhibitions (registration required)
- Exhibitions Our Universe, Quantum World and Discover CERN
- Lab workshops and science shows
- Guided tours to real CERN sites (bookable on site)
- Building by Renzo Piano with a bridge over the main road
Permanent exhibitions
- Our Universe – A journey through 13.8 billion years of the universe: the path of the particles that became our building blocks, with the art space "Exploring the Unknown".
- Quantum World – Shows how the universe works at the smallest scale and how strange the quantum world is.
- Discover CERN – Accelerate and explore particles, and discover how CERN's large experiments reveal the secrets of matter.
- Founded
- 2023
- Operated by
- CERN
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Children & teens | –Visitors under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. |
|---|
All visits are free, including tours, workshops, shows and events. Online registration (recommended up to one month in advance) guarantees admission; without prior registration, on-site registration is possible depending on availability. Groups (12 to 48 people) must book online up to 9 months in advance.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description
All activities are wheelchair and stroller accessible; lifts, accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are available. Some disabled parking spaces and a drop-off point between reception and the auditorium. Wheelchair and folding stool can be borrowed at reception. Quieter zone in the Exploring the Unknown exhibition, children's ear defenders at reception. All videos in the exhibitions are subtitled, there are tactile elements for visually impaired visitors and audio descriptions for selected exhibits via QR code. Assistance and guide dogs are welcome, other pets are not.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
Science shows from 4 years (45 minutes, French and English), lab workshops from 5 years and interactive exhibitions from 8 years; treasure hunt through the exhibitions. Sundays are reserved for families and individual visitors; in summer and on Sundays there are more guided tours for families.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Meyrin, CERN
Tram 18 towards Meyrin, CERN to "Meyrin, CERN" (about 25 minutes from Geneva Cornavin). From Geneva Airport bus 23, 28 or 57 to "Vernier, Blandonnet", where you change to tram 18. From France (Ain) bus 68 or 67 to "Meyrin, Gravière".
By car
Paid parking
Paid car park behind the Globe of Science and Innovation (only during your visit); if full, another paid car park at the Centre sportif de Maisonnex (French customs). Free coach park north of the Science Gateway only for groups with a booking.
- Accessible parking
CERN is 5.5 km from Geneva Airport and 9.4 km from Geneva Cornavin railway station.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
- Wi-Fi
Big Bang Café (8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; snacks, burgers and drinks; cash payment in CHF or EUR, most cards) and shop with books, postcards, clothing and games (8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., no online shop). Wi-Fi "CERN-Visitors".
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
The Science Gateway auditorium and the Globe of Science and Innovation can be hired for private events.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Interactive exhibitions (from 8 years, 90–180 minutes, French, English, German, Italian, Spanish) are included in the ticket. Guided tours (from 12 years, French and English) and lab workshops (from 5 years, 45 minutes) can only be booked on site after check-in, and due to high demand only for about 10 percent of visitors. Bring photo ID for tours, as they may cross the border into France. |
