On 21 June, officials and journalists gathered at CERN to mark “first stone” for Science Gateway, CERN’s new flagship project for science education and outreach. Due to open in 2023, Science Gateway will increase CERN’s capacity to welcome visitors of all ages from near and afar. Hundreds of thousands of people per year will have the opportunity to engage with CERN’s discoveries and technology, guided by the people who make it possible.
The project has environmental sustainability at its core. Designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, the carbon-neutral building will bridge the Route de Meyrin and be surrounded by a freshly planted 400-tree forest. Its five linked pavilions will feature a 900-seat auditorium, immersive spaces, laboratories for hands-on activities for visitors from age five upwards, and many other interactive learning opportunities.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the many partners in our Member and Associate Member States and beyond who are making the CERN Science Gateway possible, in particular to our generous donors,” said CERN Director-General Fabiola Gianotti during her opening speech. “We want the CERN Science Gateway to inspire all those who come to visit with the beauty and the values of science.”