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La Cite des Enfants
History
La Cite des Enfants is a part of the Cite des Sciences et de l’Industrie, the largest science museum in Europe, that is geared specifically towards children. The museum was opened in 1986 with the goal of disseminating scientific and technological knowledge to the public, particularly the younger generations. Through contact with the various interactive exhibitions, founders hoped that children would be fascinated with science and technology at an early age, and that their experiences at the museum would lead them to future endeavors in these diverse and fast developing fields.
The building was inaugurated by French President Francois Mitterrand on the very day that the Giotto space probe encountered Halley’s Comet, a huge feat in the European scientific community. The first Cite des Enfants was opened in the museum in 1992 and its activities and exhibitions have been remodeled a number of times since then to reflect advances in modern science and technology.
Exhibits
The Cite des Enfants is best known for its series of interactive science exhibitions. The activities allow children to experiment in a variety of age-appropriate scientific mediums. There are two separate “Cites” at the museum: one for ages 2-7 and another for ages 5-12. The first is more focused on the development of early motor skills and provides children with a variety of activities to learn spatial and cognitive skills with a ball machines, water machines, and a space animation screen. Children have the opportunity to experiment with concepts like movement, wind, and energy in a child friendly context.
The second “Cite” is for older children and includes 6 themed areas where they can explore their world: the body, communication, TV studio, fountains, gardens, and plants. Each offers a variety of hands on activities to get kids involved as they learn. Also available for the older age group are a series of 20 minute group activities and workshops that get kids thinking together and working through everyday problems.
The Geode, a spectacular IMAX theater on the premises, is another popular area of the museum that caters to children. Check their website for updated schedules of daily screenings geared towards the younger crowd. The screen is also used to project concerts, orchestral performances, and science themed programs for adults and older children.
The planetarium offers programs throughout the day for visitors who have purchased an additional pass. A variety of themed episodes allow children to explore the galaxy and have their questions answered by astronomy experts. The shows last for approximately 30 minutes on the state-of-the-art 360 degree screen.
Hours of Operation
La Cite des Enfants is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 6 pm, and on Sundays until 7 pm. Ticket prices vary based on the number of exhibitions you plan to explore, with an extra charge for entrance to the Geode and Planetarium.
Getting There
La Cite des Enfants is easily accessible via the Paris Metro. Take line 7 to Port de la Villette and follow signs to the museum entrance 30 Avenue Corentin Cariou.
Surrounding Neighborhood
The museum was built in an area once considered a run-down, industrial wasteland in the 1970’s. It has since been developed extensively beyond the museum to include the adjacent Parc de la Villette. If you’re visiting the museum, a visit to the park is a must.
The design of the park is characterized by its deconstructivist architecture, boasting extremely modern playground equipment. Seasonal festivals and events take place in the park, and boat rides along the Canal de l’Ourcq are popular in the spring and summer. The park also hosts an annual open-air film festival focusing on topics of young adulthood and coming-of-age stories.
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