Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie

Entertainment & Arts

Europe, France, Paris

The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie is the biggest science museum in Europe. It is a public establishment of an industrial and commercial character specializing in the fostering of scientific and technical culture. Created on the initiative of President Giscard d'Estaing, its goal is to spread scientific and technical knowledge among the public, particularly for youth, and for creating public interest in science, research, and industry. It is located in Parc de la Villette in the 19th arrondisement of Paris, France. It is at the heart of the Cultural Center of Science, Technology and Industry (CCSTI), a location for the popularization of scientific culture and technique. The most notable features of the "bioclimatic facade" facing the park are Les Serres - three greenhouse spaces each 20 metres high and 8 metres wide and 20 metres deep. The facades of Les Serres were the first structural glass walls to be constructed without framing or supporting fins. About five million people visit the Cité each year. The Cité has a planetarium, a submarine (the Argonaute (S636)), an IMAX theatre (La Géode) and special departments for children and teenagers. It hosted the 3rd International Salon for Peace Initiatives from 30 May to 1 June 2008.