CERN

Physicists and engineers at CERN use the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter – fundamental particles. Subatomic particles are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives clues about how the particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. The organisation wants to advance the boundaries of human knowledge by delving into the smallest building blocks of our universe.

The instruments used at CERN are purpose-built particle accelerators and detectors. Accelerators boost beams of particles to high energies before the beams are made to collide with each other or with stationary targets. Detectors observe and record the results of these collisions.Founded in 1954, the CERN laboratory sits astride the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva. It was one of Europe's first joint ventures and now has 23 member states.

At CERN you can visit two permanent exhibitions. In the Universe of Particles exhibition, explore the issues CERN's physicists are trying to solve: given that the entire universe is made of particles, where do they come from? Why do they behave in the way they do? Discover the massive apparatus used by physicists at CERN and how the developed technologies impact your everyday life at the Microcosm exhibition. Interview engineers and physicists on their daily job.

And if you have more time on site, follow the LHC circuit at ground level with the Passport to the Big Bang cycle path, to understand in situ this giant machine.

At the Globe of science and innovation, CERN proposes an annual program of free public events.

Guided tours available by reservation only.

Opening times

From 01/01 to 31/12 between 10 am and 5 pm.
Closed on Sunday.

Canceled or closed because of Covid-19.

Price:

Free of charge. Permanent exhibitions: free admission, no reservation required.
Big Bang Passport: free access all year round.
Guided tours: free, booking essential.