Fête de la science 2026 in Paris: Free Museum Entry Across the City, October 2–12
From October 2 to 12, 2026, Paris science museums will participate in the Fête de la science, themed "Saveurs savantes," offering complimentary admission. The Cité des sciences et de l'industrie will allow free access on October 3 (10h–18h) and October 4 (10h–19h), featuring workshops and mini-conferences. Although the Palais de la découverte is closed, it will present free demonstrations at the Grand Palais during the same weekend. The Musée des Arts et Métiers will kick off events on October 2 (19h) with culinary showcases and a Village des sciences. On October 4 (14h–18h), the Musée du quai Branly will host activities, while the Palais de la Porte Dorée will have ongoing events throughout the festival. The second weekend will showcase various science villages in the Quartier Latin, with all activities free of charge.
Key facts
- The Fête de la science 2026 runs in Paris from October 2 to 12, 2026, with the theme "Saveurs savantes."
- The Cité des sciences et de l'industrie offers free entry October 3, 10h–18h, and October 4, 10h–19h, with activities from age 3.
- The Palais de la découverte, not yet reopened, programs free demonstrations at the Grand Palais on October 3–4, including Magsurf levitation and MENACE, a wooden artificial intelligence.
- The Musée des Arts et Métiers is the only Paris museum opening the festival Friday, October 2 from 19h, with chef-scientist culinary demonstrations and tastings.
- Les Étincelles du Palais de la découverte in Paris 15e offers free, no-booking sessions October 3–4 from age 6.
- The Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac holds a single free afternoon on Sunday, October 4, 14h–18h, including the Premières Nations exhibition.
- The Palais de la Porte Dorée programs events across all ten days, with sessions bookable online.
- On October 10–11, the festival moves to the Quartier latin with villages at Sorbonne Université, École normale supérieure, Institut de physique du globe, Institut Pasteur and Académie du Climat; the musée des Égouts opens October 11.
Entities
Artists
- Blaise Pascal
- Marion Montaigne
Institutions
- Cité des sciences et de l'industrie
- Palais de la découverte
- Grand Palais
- Palais des enfants
- Musée des Arts et Métiers
- Les Étincelles du Palais de la découverte
- Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
- Palais de la Porte Dorée
- Aquarium tropical
- Musée de l'Histoire de l'immigration
- Sorbonne Université
- École normale supérieure
- Institut de physique du globe
- Institut Pasteur
- Académie du Climat
- musée des Égouts
- Fête de la science
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Paris 19e
- Paris 8e
- Paris 3e
- Paris 15e
- Paris 7e
- Paris 12e
- Quartier latin
- Jussieu
- rue d'Ulm
- rue Lhomond
- Mars