City of Science and Industry Museum Tickets with Planetarium Paris

The City of Science and Industry at La Villette

The museum opened in 1986 in the Parc de la Villette, in the 19th arrondissement, in a giant building that was originally planned as a slaughterhouse and was then converted into a temple of science. It is one of the largest science museums in Europe, and it is designed to be touched, tested and explored. People searching for City of Science and Industry tickets usually want a full day of interactive discoveries, for children and adults alike.

Your ticket is valid for one day and gives access to the permanent and temporary exhibitions. The museum is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays and on a few public holidays, so check your date in the booking panel. To get there, take metro line 7 to Porte de la Villette and walk a few minutes. Allow at least three to four hours for a good visit.

The Permanent Exhibitions: Space, Brain, Robots and Climate

The main exhibition areas invite you to discover how science works, with experiments, models and screens that you can use yourself. You can take off on a space mission, explore the mysteries of the brain, discover how robots move and think, and see how climate change affects our planet. Many exhibits are designed so that visitors can make their own observations and tests.

There is also a games area called e-LAB, where you dive into the world of video games and digital creation. The exhibitions change from time to time, and temporary shows explore new topics in depth. If you ask whether the Cité des sciences is worth visiting, the answer is yes, especially for anyone curious and for families with older children.

The Planetarium and the Argonaute Submarine

Two highlights sit outside the main halls. The Planetarium uses 360-degree projections to take you across the Universe, with shows narrated by science educators who explain stars, planets and galaxies in an accessible way. It is a restful and spectacular break between the more active exhibits.

The Argonaute is a real submarine from the 1950s that you can board and explore, seeing the narrow corridors, the bunks and the control room where the crew lived. When you arrive, request your voucher for the Argonaute at the museum, since access is included in your ticket. Together these two attractions make the Cité des sciences stand out from ordinary museums.

Planning Your Visit and the Children's Area

The Cité des enfants, the special area for younger children, is not included in this ticket and must be booked directly at the museum or on its website. Children aged 2 to 5 have tickets issued on site, and free entry is available with valid documentation for children under 2 and for some visitors with disabilities and their companions. Reduced entry may apply to young people under 25 and students with valid proof.

The best time to visit is on a weekday morning, when the halls are less crowded. There are restaurants and a bookshop on site if you want a break, and the surrounding Parc de la Villette is pleasant for a walk. Wear comfortable shoes, since there is a lot of walking between the different areas of the museum.