Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie

The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie is in Paris, in the Parc de la Villette in the nineteenth arrondissement, in the north-east of the city. It is the largest science museum in Europe, opened in 1986. It stands at the northern end of the park beside the Canal de l'Ourcq, with the Cité de la Musique and the Grande Halle close by, and the museum is worth a day on its own.

The building, designed by the architect Adrien Fainsilber, was made from the shell of an unfinished slaughterhouse, and its vast steel and glass structure is among the most impressive science museums in the world. Huge glass greenhouses, called the serres, rise from the facade, and a moat and pools reflect the light. Inside, the permanent exhibitions explore subjects such as mathematics, energy, the human body, the oceans, sound, light and the universe, using models, experiments and interactive displays that invite visitors to touch, test and play. Temporary exhibitions deal with current scientific questions and often draw large crowds.

A special area, the Cité des Enfants, is designed for children aged two to twelve, with separate spaces for different ages, where they can learn by doing, building, splashing and exploring in an environment made for their size. It is very popular and requires booking in advance. The planetarium offers shows about the stars, and the Géode, a spherical cinema in a mirror-like steel sphere of thirty-six metres in diameter outside the main building, projects giant-screen films on a curved surface. Another highlight is the Argonaute, a real French submarine from the 1950s that stands in the park and can be explored from inside, which gives an idea of the cramped life of the crew.

The museum is in a large park with gardens, playgrounds and a canal, and it is easy to reach by metro and tram, so it is a good place for a family day, especially in bad weather. Nearby, the Canal Saint-Martin and other sights of Paris can be combined, and the Centre Pompidou, Eiffel Tower and other major attractions are reached by public transport.

Allow at least half a day. It suits families, school groups and anyone curious about science. Buy tickets online in advance, especially for children's areas and the special shows.