Palais de la Découverte
Museum Interactive science museum in Paris' Grand Palais complex
A science museum in Paris, Palais de la Découverte offers hands-on physics and astronomy demonstrations, rotating temporary shows and family-friendly exhibits - useful for school-aged visitors and anyone curious about experiments and live presentations.
The Palais de la Découverte is a science museum in Paris housed in the Grand Palais and established in 1937 for the International Exposition. It was created to present demonstrations and accessible scientific displays to the general public.
Opened in 1937, the institution was founded to popularize science through live demonstration and has operated continuously within the Grand Palais, adapting its exhibitions and educational offerings over decades. Its permanent mission has remained public education through demonstration and interactive displays.
Situated in the Grand Palais on Avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt, in Paris’s 8th arrondissement, the museum is on the north side of the Champs-Élysées close to the Seine and other major museums.
- Founding and focus: Founded in 1937 for the Exposition Internationale, the museum was created to bring live demonstrations and interactive science to the public and remains focused on hands-on displays and scheduled demonstrations.
- Location: Located within the Grand Palais complex on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the site is convenient for visitors touring the Grand Palais and nearby museums.
How to Get to Palais de la Découverte #
Located on Avenue Franklin Delano Roosevelt near the Grand Palais. Metro: Franklin D. Roosevelt (Lines 1 and 9) or Champs-Élysées-Clemenceau nearby.
Tips for Visiting Palais de la Découverte #
- Book special exhibitions in advance - some planetarium shows sell out.
- The hands-on exhibits are best visited mid-week to avoid school groups on weekends.
- Check showtimes if the domed theatre program is of interest; seats fill quickly.
Best Time to Visit Palais de la Découverte #
A good indoor choice year-round; weekdays outside school holidays offer the lightest crowds.
Weather & Climate near Palais de la Découverte #
Palais de la Découverte's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 25°C. Moderate rainfall (643 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 62 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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