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Although classed as a museum, it is more of an extremely up to
date information centre, which will change just as science and technology changes with new
developments and is a great place to take all the family.
Situated in the 19th Arrondissement of Paris, close
to the Canal de l'Ourcq, which saw the arrival of the submarine Argonaute now positioned
opposite the Cité des Sciences, you will also find that there playgrounds for the
children nearby along with lots of snack bars and beautiful walks in the park by the
canal. There is something here for everyone.
But lets get back to the museum itself and the first thing we have got to mention is the
Géode. This has without a doubt got to be the most striking and prominent feature
of the complex and is one of the worlds largest geodesic domes that stands 36m high with
its shiny stainless steel surface of thousands of polished triangles.
Inside the Géode is an Omnimax movie theatre with a 1000 square metre screen that was the
first in France and one of only around 160 in the world and with the special effects from
the films you feel involved as though it is reality, which is quite literally amazing.
Another part to the La Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie is called The Explora that is
a permanent exhibition which covers virtually everything from microbiology to outer space
with lots of different interactive exhibits and demonstrations. How would you like
to pilot a plane, travel through the human body or visit the Ariane rocket? Well, in
this section you can through virtual reality and even get to experience
weightlessness.
The Cinaxe is yet another part to this amazing science and technology centre and basically
it is a simulator that has been fitted with the same equipment that is used to train
aeroplane pilots. The older children and adults! will absolutely love this
simulation theatre.
The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie also has a planetarium, a Mediterranean aquarium,
the Cité des Enfants for children aged 3 to 12 and also a special Techno cité for 12-15
year olds. And although it seems like the children are being educated, it is done in
such a fun way, that with the whole exciting experience, we do not know of one child so
far that has not wanted to go back to learn more!
And like in lots of different centres and museums
around Paris, there is a restaurant, gift shop, bookshop and photography is
allowed. There is also a car park and wheelchairs available for use, but please note
that these are not free and the entrance to the car park is at Quai de la Charente.
The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie is open from 10am to 6pm from Tuesday through to
Saturday. On a Sunday the museum is open from 10am through to 7pm but is closed on a
Monday and on national holidays, yet it does get extremely crowded on the weekends or in
school holidays so it is best to avoid these times if possible.
Address & Contact Details:
La Cité des Sciences
30 Avenue Corentin Cariou
75019
Paris
Telephone: 1 40 05 81 41 or 36 68 29 30
For Groups Telephone: 1 40 05 12 12
For Reservations Telephone: 1 40 05 80 90
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