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CERN Science Gateway

CERN Science Gateway is the education and outreach centre of CERN, located in Meyrin near Geneva, Switzerland. Through interactive exhibitions, hands-on lab workshops, science shows and guided tours of authentic CERN places, visitors can explore particle physics, the Universe and the technologies of the world's largest physics laboratory. The exhibitions cover topics such as accelerating particles, CERN's giant experiments, the 13.8-billion-year history of the Universe and the quantum world. The iconic building, designed by Renzo Piano, also hosts an arts space and changing temporary exhibitions.

Families and Kids

CERN Science Gateway offers many activities for children and families, including interactive exhibitions best enjoyed from age 8, science shows from age 4, and lab workshops from age 5. Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Children's earmuffs can be borrowed at the reception, and baby-changing facilities are available.

Information

  • Visit duration: 180min
  • Barrier free: Yes
  • For rainy days: Yes
  • Free entrance: Yes
  • Lockers: True
  • Pushchair accessible: True
  • Price range: $
  • Topic: Science and technology
    • Guided tours: Yes
    • Workshops: Yes
    • Children experience: Child friendly
    • Children age group: 3-6, 6-12, 12-18
    • Children activities: Interactive exhibits, Workshops, Tours and demonstrations

Opening hours

Open from Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday. Exhibitions and other activities from 09:00 to 17:00, last entry at 16:30. Reception, Shop and Big Bang Café from 08:30 to 17:30.
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
09:00-17:00
Wednesday
09:00-17:00
Thursday
09:00-17:00
Friday
09:00-17:00
Saturday
09:00-17:00
Sunday
09:00-17:00

Admission fees

0 CHF
Adult admission

Contact

Webpage
visits.web.cern.ch
Address
1, Esplanade des Particules, 1217 Meyrin

Access

Nearby stops

  • Meyrin, CERN100 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Genève
21m
Lausanne
1h 11m
Martigny
2h 11m
Sion
2h 26m
Neuchâtel
2h 26m

FAQ

  • Do I need to register in advance to visit CERN Science Gateway?
    Admission is free, but registration is required. Online registration is recommended up to one month in advance and guarantees entry; on-site registration is also possible subject to availability. Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Can I book a guided tour or lab workshop in advance?
    Guided tours and lab workshops cannot be booked online in advance for individual visitors; they require a separate on-site reservation after checking in, on a first-come, first-served basis. Only about 10% of visitors can join these activities due to limited capacity.
  • Is there luggage storage available on site?
    Yes, CERN provides 321 lockers free of charge for visitors, plus 22 larger lockers for cabin-size luggage available on request in exchange for a photo ID. Large items cannot be brought into the exhibitions or on guided tours.
  • Is the Science Gateway accessible for wheelchair users and families with pushchairs?
    Yes, all CERN Science Gateway activities are wheelchair and pushchair friendly. Lifts are wheelchair accessible, and accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are available. A wheelchair and folding stools can be borrowed at the Reception.
  • What is the recommended minimum age for the exhibitions?
    The exhibitions welcome visitors of all ages, although they are best enjoyed by ages 8 and above. Science shows are recommended from age 4, films from age 12, and guided tours from age 12.
  • Can I take photos during my visit?
    Yes, taking photos for non-commercial purposes is permitted throughout your visit, as long as you respect the privacy of other visitors. Commercial photography or recording is only allowed by prior arrangement.