Geneva is a dynamic university city situated directly on Lake Geneva. Its most famous landmark is the Jet d’Eau, a 140-metre-high high fountain in the lake. Dozens of international organisations and companies have their headquarters here in the city, and play a part in its cosmopolitan flair and cultural diversity.

CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, hosts researchers from all over the world as they investigate the secrets of the universe. Their primary focus is on the small particles that make up its basic building blocks. CERN is now opening a new chapter: in the Science Gateway, CERN has created a place where visitors of all ages can gain an in-depth insight into this exciting world. The visitor centre was designed by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano. He is known in Switzerland for his work at the Fondation Beyeler in Basel and the Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern. The Science Gateway comprises a complex of several pavilions along the great Route de Meyrin.

In Renzo Piano’s design, the Science Gateway symbolises CERN’s connection to the world. Its unique, bridge-like architecture invites you to discover the secrets of particle physics. The tubular pavilions are reminiscent of the underground tubes at CERN, where particles are accelerated to almost the speed of light.

The CERN Science Gateway is aimed at younger visitors and families in particular. This is based on the realisation that children and young people are particularly curious and learn through play. This natural urge to discover and instinctive learning through play are central elements that characterise the spirit of all the exhibitions at the Science Gateway. In line with this approach, the Science Gateway has a number of special laboratories that are open to school classes and other interested groups.

At the heart of the CERN Science Gateway are three exhibitions that are intended to make the diversity and details of particle physics accessible to all: “Discover CERN”, “Our Universe” and “Quantum World”. Numerous interactive stations offer a lively journey of discovery through the universe, focusing on topics that range from the acceleration of particles to the exploration of the quantum world.

The “Discover CERN” exhibition offers visitors an insight into the research centre itself and its remarkable technical achievements. A mix of interactive stations and playful elements explain how particle accelerators and particle detectors work. A particular highlight here is the world’s very first web server, which is considered the birthplace of the Internet. The history of CERN, which dates back to the 1950s when the first accelerator was built, presents the significant technological breakthroughs that CERN has brought to society. 

In the “Our Universe” exhibition, visitors embark on a journey 13.8 billion years back in time to explore the origins of the universe. Visitors will discover how the universe has evolved and learn through interactive experiments how scientists investigate the formation of stars and their significance for life on Earth. Visitors can design their very own star, play with proton weighing scales and try their hand at trapping antimatter. A special area explores themes such as the emptiness of space and the invisible, including a three-dimensional shadow projection of a four-dimensional object. This area is inspired by a collaboration between artists from the Arts at CERN programme and scientists. 

Quantum physics offers explanations for why the sun shines, allows us to develop smartphones and helps us to understand how plants grow. Yet, the strange and wonderful effects of quantum physics only occur on a scale of tiny particles… don’t they? The “Quantum World” interactive exhibition allows visitors to explore the world of particles as if they themselves had been shrunk to an unimaginably small size. The exhibition gives visitors the opportunity to experience the principles of quantum physics in an entertaining way – such as through quantum air hockey, tennis or other interactive games. 

The location could hardly be more central: CERN enjoys a prime location in the heart of Europe, in the city of Geneva. Geneva is often referred to as “the city where dialogue happens” and is a melting pot of cultures with people from all over the world. This diversity is an ideal reflection of the spirit of CERN. The international atmosphere, characterised by employees from all over the world, is a fundamental part of CERN’s identity. Collaboration and the exchange of ideas across borders are key here.