La Maison Poincaré Paris – Tickets, Info, Hours and Tips
La Maison Poincaré, Paris’s first mathematics museum, is a popular tourist destination located just 1.2 kilometers from the Seine River in the historic Latin Quarter. Housed in the Jean Perrin building at Sorbonne Université, this innovative 900-square-meter space opened in September 2023.
The museum offers interactive exhibits and immersive experiences that make mathematics accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages. Through playful demonstrations and multimedia displays, it showcases the connection between mathematics and everyday life.
Open Monday through Saturday (except Wednesdays), this unique cultural venue combines historic architecture with modern exhibition design, making it a must-visit destination for both science enthusiasts and curious tourists exploring Paris’s intellectual heart.
Maison Poincaré: Paris's math wonderland
Located in the heart of Paris’s Latin Quarter, La Maison Poincaré offers visitors a fascinating journey into the world of mathematics through innovative and interactive exhibits. The museum occupies the historic Jean Perrin building, previously home to the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, making it a perfect blend of scientific heritage and modern museography.
The 900-square-meter space features several engaging areas designed to make mathematics accessible and entertaining. Unlike traditional approaches, the museum avoids complex formulas and calculations, instead focusing on hands-on experimentation and playful learning experiences. Visitors can explore mathematical concepts through interactive devices, compelling videos, and a unique mixed reality experience that brings abstract concepts to life.
One of the museum’s highlights is its coverage of contemporary mathematical applications in everyday life. Exhibits showcase the role of mathematics in artificial intelligence, photography, music, and probability theory. The museum also features videos of active researchers explaining their work, demonstrating how mathematics intersects with various scientific disciplines, from fluid dynamics to physical applications.
A distinctive feature of La Maison Poincaré is its integration within an active research center. The museum includes an amphitheater where visitors can learn about ongoing mathematical research and discoveries. The building’s design, with its open-plan spaces and wooded terrace, creates an inviting atmosphere that encourages exploration and learning.
For families, the museum is particularly welcoming, with exhibits designed to help children grasp complex mathematical concepts through intuitive and engaging presentations. The space successfully bridges the gap between advanced mathematical research and public understanding, making it an essential stop for both tourists and locals interested in science and mathematics.
Tickets & Pricing at Maison Poincaré
Standard admission is €10 for adults aged 26 and over. Young people between 18-25 years pay a reduced rate of €5.
Free admission is available for children under 18, persons with disabilities and their companions, teachers accompanying school groups, social welfare recipients, IHP Foundation Circle members, and journalists with press credentials.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance – no on-site ticket sales are available. Your ticket is valid for one hour from the indicated time, with last entry 45 minutes before closing.
Please note that some museum areas, including the Tea Room and PARTAGER Space, may close early on certain dates.
Remember to bring valid ID or relevant documentation to claim reduced or free admission. For temporary exhibitions, backpacks must be left at the cloakroom or worn on the front for artwork safety.
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults (26 and over) | €10 |
| Young people (18-25) | €5 |
| Children (under 18) | Free |
| Persons with disabilities | Free |
| Teachers with school groups | Free |
| Social welfare recipients | Free |
| Journalists (with credentials) | Free |
Getting to Maison Poincaré
Located at 11 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris’s 5th arrondissement, Maison Poincaré is easily accessible by public transportation.
The closest RER station is Luxembourg (RER B), just a short walk from the museum. Several bus lines also serve the area, making it convenient for visitors coming from different parts of Paris.
The museum sits in the heart of the Latin Quarter, near the Sorbonne University campus. If you’re walking from the Seine River, it’s approximately a 15-minute stroll through the historic streets of the Latin Quarter.
For those using the Metro, the closest stations are Cardinal Lemoine (Line 10) and Place Monge (Line 7), both about 10 minutes away on foot.
If you’re traveling by car, please note that parking in this area can be challenging, so public transportation is recommended. Several public parking facilities are available in the vicinity, though they tend to be expensive.
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Please note: Last admission is 45 minutes before closing time. The museum is closed on public holidays. Some areas, including the Tea Room and PARTAGER Space, may close early on specific dates. Opening hours are subject to change – please check the official website before your visit.
Tips for Visiting Maison Poincaré
- Book your tickets online in advance as they are not sold at the museum.
- Arrive at least 45 minutes before closing to have enough time to explore all exhibits.
- Visit during weekday mornings for smaller crowds and a more relaxed experience.
- Bring valid ID documentation if you’re eligible for reduced or free admission.
- Store large backpacks in the cloakroom or wear them on your front during temporary exhibitions.
- Consider combining your visit with other nearby attractions in the Latin Quarter, such as the Panthéon or Jardin des Plantes.
- The Tea Room offers a nice break during your visit, but check specific closing times as they may vary.
- Interactive exhibits are suitable for children aged 7 and above, making it an excellent family destination.
- English translations are available for most exhibits, making it accessible for international visitors.
- Photography is allowed in most areas, but check specific restrictions for temporary exhibitions.
Visitor Reviews of Maison Poincaré
Visitor experiences at Maison Poincaré have been mixed since its opening. While some guests praise the museum’s accessible approach to mathematics and interactive exhibitions, others have expressed concerns about the value for money and space constraints.
Many visitors appreciate how the museum makes complex mathematical concepts comprehensible through interactive displays and engaging presentations. The playful approach to mathematics has been particularly well-received by those with a casual interest in the subject.
However, some visitors, especially those with advanced mathematical backgrounds, have noted that the content may be too basic for their interests. A common observation is that while the interactive games are engaging, some exhibits could benefit from more detailed mathematical explanations.
Space management appears to be a recurring concern, with several visitors mentioning that the museum can feel crowded during peak hours. The ticket price of €10 has been questioned by some visitors in relation to the museum’s size and content volume.
The historic amphitheater receives consistent praise as a highlight of the visit. For the best experience, visitors suggest coming during off-peak hours and allocating about 1-2 hours for their visit.
Remember that individual experiences may vary based on personal interests and expectations in mathematics and interactive museums.
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