Globe of Science and Innovation
Globe of Science and Innovation things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Went there for my boyfriend's birthday as he's always wanted to go, he was not disappointed. I'm not really into science/physics so didn't understand much of it to be honest haha, but he did and he really enjoyed himself. We queued for a guided tour, Leonardo was our guide and he explained everything and answered all the questions very well, thank you for that :). The exposition outside (in the wooden globe building) was quite interesting too even for someone like me who doesn't understand much and is not passionate about it. Everything was interactive and it made it fun! We stayed for the little film as well which was a very cool experience!! You cannot book the guided tour online and in advance, they take down your name and details an hour before the tour starts, so I'd recommend queuing for the tour first, and between the time they write you down for it and the actual time the tour starts, you have about an hour to go see the exposition in the wooden globe building and kill some time :) it can seem unpractical to most people but they're doing it this way since people would book limited spaces and then not show up, so the way they do it is actually the best for everyone! Only thing I would advise people about is they're doing some roadworks at the moment and the visitors car park can be a bit confusing so I'd suggest parking somewhere else and coming by bus or tramway as they stop right in front of the CERN :). About the gift shop, some very cool items in there! Books, clothing, pens, magnets etc
ELC L
20
You don’t really know what you’ll expect when you enter a wooden ball that looks suspiciously like a chocolate. Hopefully some kind of explanation of what happens at CERN. It’s currently in a state of change as they build the new education centre. The ramps to the second floor around the outside seem closed and one security guard is the main staff you’ll see. Inside it plunges you into a dark space-like experience with big blobby exhibits. Some are bits, some TVs which explain. There is a 6 minute video (detailed on the door) which tells you the questions they are trying to answer (it’s in the same exhibition space, basically takes over). The chief issue is that you don’t come away all that clear about what CERN does other than that they have 4 sites. I personally know and have even been down to see the ring and ATLAS. I’m not sure my kids understood much other than bits of atoms are smashed together, and that’s mostly because I told them. There are some pods you can sit in which have buttons explaining in more detail - quite comfy. If you look closely there are also benches around the edge if you need to sit. There are toilets, just go back to the entrance and follow the wall around the edge, the door is lit by one light. There are touch exhibits and bits to look at. Realistically it’ll be worth 30-45 mins at the most, so something to do if you’re early for the airport but not really worth a visit by itself. Hopefully the new education centre will change that.
Nick Gazard
00
I had such an enjoyable visit here. Some advice for you though, Don't come here unless you're quite the geek and you're genuinely interested in the science. Because it's not set up to be an entertainment showcase, so don't be expecting something like a living episode of Carl Sagan's cosmos. Also, I figure in order to make your visit truly worthwhile, you have to join the tour and spots are limited to 20 people only. Registration opens at 9 but the queue is full by 8.30 so get there when they open at 8 to guarantee your spot. In my opinion, this isn't suitable for any kids under 13 - there were some kids aged maybe 7 - 9 on our tour and they were clearly bored out of their minds.
Lisa Chan
30
The Globe of Science and Innovation is very nice place to visit in Meyrin, near Geneva! The Globe of Science and Innovation is a visitor center, designed to inform visitors about the significant research being carried out at CERN. The wooden structure, which is 27 metres (89 ft) high and 40 metres (130 ft) in diameter, is a symbol of planet earth and was originally built for Expo.02 in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. In 2004, it was moved to its current location in Meyrin in the Canton of Geneva, Switzerland. Free of charge to all visitors. Opening times: Monday - Saturday from 8am to 6pm
ArteDellaRoma
00
AMAZING! & FREE! An absolute "must go to" when in Geneva. Simple tram ride away from the city. Even if you think you're not a big nerd or would understand - you will, it's all completely simplified with videos & interactive examples, & explained wonderfully. Definitely go for a guided tour! You really do want to go for the bookings, as its a guided tour inside the facility, but gets mega busy! Its the real reason you go there. So plan ahead & prepare to wait a few hours queueing (it can only be done in-person).
paul westwood
30
Unfortunately it was disappointing. The existing building looks very cool. The particle exhibition isn't anything special. The most interesting for me artifact was the NEXT computer used for the first web server. The exhibition was free but overcrowded so I am not sure it is worth entering it at all. I don't want to be rude but I don't expect anyone to be super excited after visiting it at the moment. The constructions of a new CERN visitor center is going on and hopefully it will be significantly better.
Leon Anavi
20
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Basic Info
Address
Espl. des Particules 1, 1217 Meyrin, Switzerland
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Phone
+41 22 767 76 76
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Website
visit.cern
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Overview
4.6
(1.2K reviews)
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cultural
entertainment
family friendly
accessibility
Description
The Globe of Science and Innovation is a visitor center, designed to inform visitors about the significant research being carried out at CERN. The wooden structure, which is 27 metres high and 40 metres in diameter, is a symbol of planet earth and was originally built for Expo.02 in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
attractions: CERN, CERN Science Gateway, restaurants: Luigia Academy, Pizza Da Vinci – Pizzeria & Livraison Meyrin, Restaurant Don Pedro 1951, CAFÉ HORTUS, Nirvana, Big Bang Café - CERN Science Gateway, Restaurant Le Smash

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