The Science Forum has exhibits and activities that appeal to a range of ages, from toddlers to adults. Highlights include a constellation-filled planetarium; the year-long Enigma exhibit where individuals and teams get to play detective and solve a scientific mystery; and temporary shows dedicated to topics ranging from the earth’s climate history to the design of robots. The Forum also invites the public to attend free debates and lectures on scientific themes.
Check the Science Forum website for a full list of events. Reservations are recommended for workshops and activities, as spaces can quickly fill up.
If you’re looking to learn more about astronomy and scientific observation, the Forum regularly hosts group-led contemplations of the sun or the nighttime sky. These public events are free to attend.
The Enigma exhibit, temporary expositions, the planetarium, and various workshops are all ticketed separately. You can buy a package of two activities at a reduced cost. People under the age of 26 and job seekers also get discounted admission.
The Science Forum is free for everyone the first Sunday of every month.
The Forum was designed with accessibility in mind, meaning the entire building is accessible to visitors with disabilities or reduced mobility. An elevator is located near the staircase. Strollers are also welcome.
The Science Forum is in the eastern suburbs of Lille in Villeneuve d’Ascq. It’s right on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville and can be easily reached by public transport from Lille’s city center. From the Villeneuve d-Ascq-Hôtel de Ville subway station on Line 1, the Forum is only a 4-minute walk. You can also take a local train to the Pont de Bois station and walk for 10 minutes. By car, take the Hôtel de Ville de Villeneuve d’Ascq exit.
During the school year, the Science Forum is open Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from mid-afternoon until early evening. It’s also open on public holidays (except on Mondays). During school vacations, the Science Center opens Tuesday through Sunday from mid-afternoon until early evening, and again on holidays. During the first Sunday of every month when admission is free for everyone—hours are from mid-morning until early evening.
While the Science Forum is known for its modern displays, Lille’s Natural History Museum is a 100-year-old collection that first opened back in 1822. That makes it a historical attraction in its own right, but also a valuable wealth of information about our natural world. The panels are all in French, but anyone can come and admire the displays of taxidermied animals—including several extinct species. The museum also keeps cases of live critters and insects.
