Cite de l'espace

Museums ·Toulouse ·Closed
  • from EUR 25
  • Ideal for kids, teens

Sign up free — See who's going and message them.

Is this your place? Get the badge for your website

About

Cité de l'espace is a space exploration science centre in Toulouse, with full-size spacecraft models and interactive exhibits.

More photos 11

1 / 11
Cite de l'espace

Cite de l'espaceCite de l'espaceCite de l'espaceCite de l'espaceCite de l'espaceCite de l'espaceCite de l'espaceCite de l'espaceCite de l'espaceCite de l'espaceCite de l'espace

Why go

  • An IMAX film shot by astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
  • Apollo 15 lunar stones and Martian meteorites in the collection.
  • JWST mirror displays in the gardens, installed in 2025.

Opening hours

Today10:00 – 17:00Show all
Monday10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday10:00 – 17:00
Thursday10:00 – 17:00
Friday10:00 – 17:00
Saturday10:00 – 17:00
Sunday10:00 – 17:00

Don't miss

  • Ariane 5 replicaA full-scale model of the rocket.In the gardens.
  • Mir stationThe engineering model retains original equipment and shows everyday life and work in orbit.
  • Chang’e-4 and Jadehase 2 modelA full-size model of the lunar probe and rover.In the gardens.
  • Le Quai du Système SolaireInteractive solar-system exploration includes piloting a lunar jeep.
  • La Chapelle blancheHenri-Georges Adam’s monumental sculpture tops the main building.Atop the main building.

Know before you go

  • Monday–Sunday, 10:00–17:00.

What's inside

  • Terr@dome is a 25-metre-wide terrestrial half-sphere presenting the story of space from the Big Bang to the formation of the Solar System.
  • Le Carré de l’Actu simulates control of International Space Station projects and Artemis lunar missions.
  • In a mock control room, visitors can practise a rocket launch, flight control, and satellite placement.
  • Lune épisode II covers lunar exploration technology, local resources, and habitats for lunar bases.

With kids

  • The exhibits are most suited to children aged 5–14.
  • The 130-seat Stellarium hosts shows for younger visitors.
  • La Base des Enfants is a dedicated children’s area.

Tips for your visit

  • The original 140-seat planetarium presents shows throughout the day.
  • Allow for a walk after taking bus 15 from downtown.

Interesting facts3

1/3
  1. 1994

    Founding director Jean-Michel Oberto led the centre’s development from 1994 to 1997.

    Cité de l'espace - Wikipedia
  2. Cardete et Huet Architectes designed the centre, reusing an unfinished museum foundation designed by Roger Pagès.

    Cité de l'espace - Wikipedia
  3. The city of Toulouse developed the park with government ministries, CNES, EADS, ASTRIUM and other partners.

    Cité de l’espace - Wikipedia

Shorts

History

  1. June 1997Dominique Baudis and Claudie Haigneré inaugurated the centre, with Jean-François Clervoy present.
  2. July 1998The full-scale Mir station opened to visitors.
  3. October 2000Terr@dome opened.
  4. October 2002A permanent Mars exhibition opened.
  5. April 2005Astralia, housing a planetarium and IMAX theatre, opened.
Show all
  1. May 2006La Base des Enfants opened.
  2. 2014La Coupole de l’Astronome and educational laboratories opened.
  3. July 2017The renovated planetarium opened.
  4. October 2017Thomas Pesquet visited for the centre’s 20th anniversary.
  5. April 2022The Martian terrain opened.
  6. November 2023LuneXplorer opened.

How to get there

  • BusTake the metro to Jolimont, then bus 37 towards La Plaine.
  • BusTake bus 15 from downtown, then walk to the site.
  • CarThe site is 5 km east of the city centre, off the A61.

Accessibility

  • Tourisme et Handicap designation The site was designated for four types of disability.

Sources: Cité de l'espace - Wikipedia · Toulouse - Wikivoyage (see) · Cité de l’espace - Wikipedia · Cité de l'espace - Wikipedia · checked 6 Oct 2026

Where
Avenue Jean Gonord, Toulouse, 31506

Plan from here: A day out →

Questions and answers

What is the address of Cité de l'espace?

Avenue Jean Gonord, 31506 Toulouse.

What is the phone number for Cité de l'espace?

Call 05 67 22 23 24.

Who donated the Chang’e-4 model at Cité de l'espace?

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation donated the model.

How invme works
  1. See who's going — faces, not ticket counts.
  2. Write to someone who shares your interests — no swipes, no matches, no paywall.
  3. Pick the event or the place to meet at — and go together.
Join free

Reviews on invme

Sign in to review
Loading comments…