Palais de la Decouverte (Science Museum)
Palais de la Decouverte offers a fantastic array of permanent exhibits that will keep you spellbound for many hours
Paris is home to many museums that focus on art and culture, however, breaking that trend with a diverse range of superb scientific exhibits is the Palais de la Decouverte or the Palace of Discovery. The Science museum in the Grand Palais covers a 25,000 m2 spread where visitors will experience many exhibits demystifying science.
The museum was first established in 1937 by Jean Baptiste Perrin, recipient of the 1926 Physics Nobel Prize, as part of the international exhibition on Arts and Techniques of Modern life. The success of the exhibition led the government of France to dedicate a large portion of the Grand Palais to the museum in the following year naming it Palais de la Decouverte. In January 2010 the museum formed a partnership with the Cite des Sciences et de l'industrie under the name universcience.
To date, the Science museum encompasses permanent exhibits in the fields of astrophysics and astronomy, physics, mathematics, chemistry, geosciences and life science. You will thoroughly enjoy the interactive displays and dynamic experiments in both the temporary and permanent exhibition areas. The Planet and Cosmology exhibits are outstanding. You'll also want to be sure and pay the small additional fee to take in a show at the museum's planetarium, however, keep in mind that the shows are in French. In the geosciences exhibit you can learn more about the sometimes frightening topic of earthquakes and volcanos. This is a place that makes mathematics interesting even to those who aren't mathematically inclined.
Palais de la Decouverte organizes and offers scientific activities that include conferences, symposia, as well as other meetings that have been proven to successfully attract the students, advanced and novice scientists, and general public alike.
Nearby attractions: Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais - (Grand Palace National Gallery), Musée des Beaux-Arts - (Fine Arts Museum) and Musée de l'Orangerie - (Paintings)
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesAddress: Av. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 75008 Paris, France
Phone: 01 56 43 20 20
Official Website: Palais de la Decouverte
Palais de la Decouverte Reviews
Rated out of 5
Palais de la Découverte is a fantastic science museum in Paris that's perfect for curious minds of all ages. The exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from physics and astronomy to biology and chemistry, with many interactive displays that make learning fun and engaging. The planetarium is a highlight, offering a mesmerizing look at the stars. The museum is located in a beautiful historic building, adding to its charm. It's a great spot for families, students, or anyone with a passion for science. Highly recommend spending a few hours here!
Hisham Ahammed Koya - 3 months ago
I wanted to love this museum more than I did. For an English speaking visitor, I could not enjoy the experiments or interactive rooms. Most if not all the demonstrations are done in 100% French. Regardless, it was a fun place to explore and play especially with children. I love that this museum has many things built on their eye level. You’ll enjoy even watching other children not yours discover science! This museum participated in the Paris Museum Pass. I highly recommend the pass for visitors traveling to Paris.
Ed Reggi - 6 years ago
Staffs are friendly and kind, they explained in details before selling the ticket to you.
All items are explained in french, some of them supplemented with english.
The museum is good for people who loves science from primary to tertiary level.
It is an air-conditioning place, however, some experiments and exhibits generate heat, the temperature is a bit high there.
Michelle TSAI - 6 years ago
We were able to see the Poison expo which was cool since there are live animals on display (snakes, frogs, lizards, spiders). We spent half a day here since there are a lot of interactive displays. Permanent displays are mostly in french (80% french). Really enjoyed it as a science museum fiend.
Jaevie Dulay - 6 years ago
Fabulous time here, much better than the cité des science et de l'industrie. Multiple lectures on all the subjects, hands on physical interactive displays rather than totally dependant on technology, like prisms and diffraction gratings rather than interactive computer programs. Plus see teenage girls zapped in a Faraday cage with 300kV. Great day out
Jayjay Seetan - 5 years ago
Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M1 or M9 | Franklin Delano Roosevelt | 4 minutes |
| M13 | Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau | 5 minutes |
| M8 or RER-C | Invalides | 12 minutes |
How to get to Palais de la Decouverte by Metro / RER
By Metro or RER-C: From Metro Line 13 exit at Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau Station. The Grand Palais is immediately south of the exit. Follow Avenue du General Eisenhower beside the Grand Palais all the way to Avenue Franklin Delano Roosevelt and go left to the entrance.
From Metro Line 1 or 9 exit at Franklin Delano Roosevelt Station and follow Franklin Delano Roosevelt straight south off the traffic circle to entrance.
From M8 or RER-C exit at Invalides and walk north over the Alexandre III bridge to Cours la Rein and go left. Follow the path along the side of the Grand Palais and angling across the garden to the entrance on the west side of Grand Palais.
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Photo Gallery
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On of many interactive science exhibits at the Palais de la Decouverte that provide educational fun for the entire family cc licensed photo by Gaël Chardon
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