CERN has opened a new iconic center for science education and support for the public of all ages. The building was designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano and funded by outside donations.
Geneva, October 7, 2023. Today, CERN opened a new state-of-the-art facility for science education and outreach. At the day-long launch event, CERN presented the Science Gateway to the Swiss Federal President, ministers and other high-level authorities from CERN member and associate member states, project donors and CERN’s research, education and advocacy partners. Published for the first time. Designed by the world-renowned Renzo Piano Architectural Workshop, the new facility is aimed at visitors from all over the world, ages 5 and up. This will enable CERN to significantly expand its portfolio of educational and outreach activities. The CERN Science Gateway will be open to the public from tomorrow, October 8, 2023.
The inauguration ceremony began with an address from CERN Director-General Fabiola Gianotti, who emphasized the value of education and public outreach. “Sharing the beauty and utility of CERN research and science with the public has always been an important purpose and activity of CERN, and with Science Gateway we will significantly expand this part of our mission starting tomorrow. We demonstrate the importance of basic research and its application to society, instill curiosity and passion for science in everyone who comes here, and encourage young people to explore science, technology, engineering, and “We want to encourage them to pursue a career in mathematics (STEM),” she said. . “Science Gateway will be a place where scientists and the public can interact on a daily basis. For me personally, Science Gateway is a dream come true, and I am grateful to our generous donors and all those who have contributed. We are deeply grateful to all those who have supported us.”
CERN, the European Particle Physics Laboratory, is home to the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator.
In his speech, Swiss Confederation President Alain Berset said: “Those familiar with Venn diagrams will agree that this invisible circle places CERN at the crossroads of Switzerland, France, and Europe, and symbolizes CERN’s commitment to shared scientific and political values. Sho” . CERN is a truly outstanding facility, one that will allow Switzerland and Geneva to shine on the world stage. ”
Inspired by the tubular structure of CERN’s accelerator, this iconic building consists of five areas housing exhibitions, laboratories, an auditorium that can be flexibly configured into different spaces depending on requirements, as well as shops and restaurants. I am.
The transparent glass panels and bridge further demonstrate CERN’s commitment to collaboration across borders and cultures, and open science that is accessible to all.
Renzo Piano, the project’s chief architect, said: “This is a place for children, students, adults, teachers, scientists, everyone fascinated by the exploration of space, from the infinitely vast to the infinitely small. It will be a place where people meet. It is a bridge, both figuratively and in the real sense. This building is fed by the energy of the sun and was built in the middle of a newly grown forest.”
Not only is the building visually impressive, but CERN and the architects are committed to complete carbon neutrality, with approximately 4,000 square meters of solar panels providing more power than the building needs. Over 400 trees have been planted, and the entire campus is located in a living forest.
Although the full project began in 2018, construction of the Science Gateway campus took just over two years, with the building’s first stone laid on June 21, 2021.
This new facility would not have been possible without the generous support of the CERN Science Gateway sponsors, who share the same values and want to honor education and knowledge for the benefit of society through their contributions. The total cost of Science Gateway was approximately CHF 100 million, which was funded entirely by donations. In particular, the Stellantis Foundation is the single largest donor, to which he donated 45 million Swiss francs. John Elkann, Chairman of Stellantis, said: “CERN is an example of how we can work together harmoniously, harnessing scientific knowledge and ingenuity for the greater good. I am proud to partner with such an institution as we open to the public a new Science Gateway that celebrates our is strengthening its efforts with conviction and passion.”
As a member of broader society, Stellantis takes action to advance human achievement. Through its philanthropy and its foundation, Stellantis invests in individuals through educational projects that create innovation and excellence.
The Hans Wilsdorf Foundation is also a major donor. Other donors include the Lego Foundation, Loterie Romande, the Ernst Gehner Foundation, Rolex, the Carla Fendi Foundation, the Gelbart Foundation, the Solvay Foundation, the Meylinoise du His Casino Foundation, and the City of Meyrin. CERN thanks the Republic of Geneva and his CERN and Social Foundations for their support.
The ceremony took place in a new 900-seat auditorium named after Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ recently deceased former CEO Sergio Marchionne. Guests visited the education labs and unique immersive exhibits and enjoyed the Big Bang His Café, Collider His Circle Plaza, and Science His Gateway and other areas of his campus.
Throughout the day, visitors, guided by children of CERN scientists and CERN staff, get a first-hand look at Science Gateway’s many opportunities, from interactive exhibits to laboratories and immersive spaces for hands-on experiments. I was able to experience it. They also had the opportunity to appreciate CERN’s scientific advances and technology, learn about the history of the universe, and marvel at the mysteries of the quantum world. Throughout the afternoon, teenagers guided guests through a variety of survey-based research activities.
Eliezer Rabinovich, President of the CERN Council, said on behalf of CERN member and associate member states: “Today, we celebrate the courage and passion for innovation that CERN has always shown, as well as its commitment to sharing the fruits of its research with people everywhere.” All countries, all age groups. Tomorrow’s scientific leaders will emerge from these curious children and will fill this wonderful place with joy for years to come. ”
The new center is expected to attract up to 500,000 visitors a year from around the world. Science Gateway is free and open six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday.
Other resources:
Our media kits are available in English, French, and Italian.
Watch the inauguration ceremony and watch the video news release here (Eurovision) or here (CERN video).
Photos and speeches from Inauguration Day will be added to this link over time. Photo captions are included in the metadata.
Note for editors:
About CERN
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is the world’s leading particle physics laboratory. The organization is located on the border of France and Switzerland, with its headquarters in Geneva. The member countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and England. Cyprus, Estonia and Slovenia are associate member states in the pre-accession stage. Croatia, India, Latvia, Lithuania, Pakistan, Turkiye and Ukraine are associate members. Japan and the United States currently have observer status, as do the European Union and UNESCO. The observer status of the Russian Federation and JINR has been suspended pursuant to CERN Board Resolutions of March 8, 2022 and March 25, 2022, respectively.
About RPBW
Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) was founded by Renzo Piano in 1981 and has offices in Genoa, Italy and Paris, France. This activity has since expanded and now includes operations from New York. RPBW is led by his 10 partners, including founder and Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano. The firm employs approximately 130 architects and a further 30 supporting staff, including 3D visualization artists, modelers, archivers, and administrative and secretarial staff. RPBW has undertaken over 140 successful projects around the world. Major projects currently underway include the Academy Museum of Cinema in Los Angeles and the École Normale Supérieure Saclay in Paris.
Major projects already completed include the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris and the Kanak Cultural Center in Nouméa, New Caledonia. Beyeler Foundation Museum in Basel. New York Times Building in New York. California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. The Art Institute of Chicago expansion in Chicago, Illinois. The Shard of London. Columbia University’s Manhattan Building development project in New York City. Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. Valletta city gate in Malta. Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center in Athens. New Paris Court. And other people around the world too.
Science Gateway has confirmed that the Renzo Piano Architecture Workshop is collaborating with Brodbeck Roulet Architectes Associés (Geneva).
Design team: A. Belvedere, J. Moolhuijzen, L. Piazza (partners and representatives), N. Grawitz, G. Andrich, A. Karcher, D. Rat, JPAzares, M. Daubach, D. Gautrand, A. Manolioux, S . Giorgianni, J. Holkaho Rubi, and M. Yildirim. A. Bagatella, T. Garofalo, D. Tsakalopoulos (CGI); O. Aubert, C. Colson, Y. Kirkos (model)
consultant: Arup, EDMS (structure); SRG (MEP); Transsolar (sustainability); Muller BBM (acoustics); Eckersley O’Callaghan (facade); Scenario (A/V, theater equipment); Arup (lighting); Charpent Concept (Fire Protection/Design Phase) ISI (Fire Protection/Construction Phase) Atelier Descombes Rampini (Landscape Architecture). sun soak (solar power system); llama (meal service). Trafitec (traffic/traffic)
About Stellantis
Stellantis NV (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and mobility providers. Its historic and iconic brands, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel and Peugeot, are visionaries in innovative products and services. It embodies the passion of one of our founders and today’s customers. , Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move, Leasys. We use our diversity to lead the way in global movements, striving to be not just the biggest, but the largest sustainable mobility technology company, while adding value to all our stakeholders and the communities in which we operate. Create. For more information, please visit www.stellantis.com.
