Discover science in the making
The philosophy of the Palais de la Découverte — revolutionary when it was founded — is to help as many people as possible discover science in the making through live demonstrations and eye-catching experiments led by science demonstrators, as well as meetings with researchers, exhibitions and talks.
By interacting directly with science, everyone — no matter their background or knowledge — can understand both the basics of science and the latest research across all fields.
In just under 90 years, more than 36 million people have passed through its doors.
Science demonstrations
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Science demonstrations
Science demonstrations define the Palais de la Découverte — they’re a big part of what makes it what it is. Since it opened in 1937, it has been a living museum, where visitors can discover science in action, join in experiments, interact with science demonstrators and explore scientific questions for themselves.
No lifeless objects behind glass here! Visitors can watch scientific experiments and demonstrations just like in a real lab, led by expert demonstrators who make science easier for everyone to understand.
This direct, hands-on approach has become its trademark, delighting visitors of all ages, inspiring science museums worldwide and launching the careers of future scientists.
Now it’s your turn to join the adventure!
Come and meet us!
The Palais de la Découverte, in Paris’s 8th arrondissement, is currently undergoing renovation. During this period, you can find us at two different locations: les Étincelles du Palais de la Découverte, in the 15th arrondissement, and the Palais des enfants, in the 8th arrondissement, on Level -1 of the Grand Palais and Palais de la Découverte.
At les Étincelles du Palais de la Découverte, our pop-up venue, our science communicators look forward to welcoming you for workshops and demonstrations on dozens of themes, from the ever-popular static electricity to artificial intelligence, plus a Planetarium (in French only). If you’re over 6 years old, come and experience science in the making with us!
> Book your ticket (in French only)
The Palais des enfants is our new space, which opened in June 2025, co-designed with the GrandPalaisRmn for two- to ten-year-olds, on Level -1 of the Palais de la Découverte and Grand Palais. Its philosophy? To explore a theme through the prism of art and science. Toddlers through to pre-teens can experiment, have fun, create and dream – with plenty of surprises in store! Check out its inaugural exhibition, Transparency, now!
> Book your ticket (in French only)
History of the Palais de la découverte
Discover its origins, meet its founders and explore nearly a century of bringing science to life.