The Globe's structure is made from five types of wood, including spruce, pine, and larch, selected for their structural integrity and environmental impact.
The sphere's wooden skin acts as a carbon sink, storing 156 tonnes of CO2.
The interior exhibition space 'Universe of Particles' was designed by the design firm Atelier Brückner to evoke a journey from the Big Bang to modern research.
The Globe was donated to CERN by the Swiss Confederation in 2004 as a symbol of the collaboration between the laboratory and society.
During construction at its original site, the wood was treated to withstand harsh outdoor conditions without chemical additives.
The Globe's shape is technically a geodesic dome, allowing for a vast interior space without the need for central load-bearing pillars.
The Globe of Science and Innovation is the iconic wooden sphere serving as the primary visitor reception center for CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. Standing 27 meters tall and 40 meters in diameter, the structure was originally constructed for the Swiss Expo.02 in Neuchâtel before being relocated to the Meyrin site in 2004. Its exterior is composed of five different types of wood, designed to be carbon-neutral by locking away CO2. The interior houses the permanent 'Universe of Particles' exhibition, which explores the origins of the universe and the fundamental laws of physics. Visitors can engage with interactive displays that explain the function of the Large Hadron Collider. The upper dome level is dedicated to rotating exhibitions and scientific discourse. The facility serves as the starting point for guided tours of the laboratory's underground research sites. It is built to symbolize the Earth and our global responsibility toward environmental sustainability.
From the Esplanade des Particules, capturing the Globe against the backdrop of the Jura Mountains.
Check the official CERN website to book your place on a guided tour well in advance, as these spots fill up months ahead.
Download the CERN visitor app before arrival to access digital interactive guides for the 'Universe of Particles' exhibition.
Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby Innovation Square to view historical particle accelerators placed in the outdoor park.
Do not show up without a pre-booked slot for guided tours, as you will only have access to the permanent exhibition area.
Closed on Sundays and Mondays; also closed annually during the winter break period around Christmas and New Year.
Respectful behavior is expected; photography is permitted in most areas, but flash may be restricted in specific interactive displays.
