Overview of jardin Tino-Rossi in Paris with three small amphitheaters for evening dancers

Pierre Et Marie Curie Campus

Pierre-Et-Marie-Curie Campus: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Guide to Paris’s Scientific Landmark

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Situated at the intellectual heart of Paris, the Pierre-et-Marie-Curie Campus—historically known as the Jussieu Campus—is a flagship of French scientific innovation and modernist architecture. Named in honor of Nobel laureates Pierre and Marie Curie, the campus is not only a tribute to their revolutionary work in radioactivity but also a thriving center of research, education, and cultural life. Its evolution from a 19th-century wine market to a leading university campus encapsulates the dynamic spirit of Paris, blending historical depth with a forward-looking academic and architectural vision (Sorbonne University History and Heritage; Wikiwand - Pierre-et-Marie-Curie Campus).

This detailed guide provides everything you need to make the most of your visit, from historical context and architectural highlights to practical visitor information, accessibility, and recommendations for exploring nearby Parisian attractions.

Introduction
Historical Overview: From Wine Market to Science Hub
Architectural Highlights and Campus Layout
Academic Evolution and Scientific Legacy
Renovation and Modernization
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Tours
Access, Transportation, and Accessibility
Events, Exhibitions, and Cultural Life
Key Facilities and Points of Interest
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visitor Tips
Conclusion
References and Official Links

Historical Overview: From Wine Market to Science Hub

The origins of the Pierre-et-Marie-Curie Campus are deeply rooted in the history of Paris. The campus occupies land once known as the “terre d’Alez,” lying outside the medieval walls of Philippe-Auguste, between the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève and the Seine. In the 19th century, this area was home to the Halle aux Vins, a sprawling wine market and storage complex that played a crucial role in the city’s commerce (patrimoine.sorbonne-universite.fr).

In the mid-20th century, as France’s scientific ambitions grew, the site was transformed into a modern academic campus. Construction began in 1958, marking the beginning of a new era for higher education and research in Paris (wikiwand.fr).

Architectural Highlights and Campus Layout

Modernist Vision and Expansion

The Pierre-et-Marie-Curie Campus is renowned for its bold modernist design, conceived by architect Édouard Albert. His “Gril d’Albert” modular grid system, constructed primarily between 1964 and 1972, features buildings elevated on pilotis (stilts), creating open, airy walkways and 21 internal courtyards that bring light and greenery into the core of the campus (paris-promeneurs.com).

The centerpiece is the 90-meter-high Zamansky Tower, completed in 1970 and inscribed with the words: “L’avenir est un présent que nous fait le passé” (“The future is a present given to us by the past”). The tower is both a visual anchor and a symbol of the campus’s scientific aspirations (paris-promeneurs.com).

Other architectural features include the Atrium M16, a contemporary addition by Périphériques (2004), which demonstrates ongoing innovation in sustainable design and the integration of modern materials (marin-trottin.com; architizer.com).

Campus Layout

Spanning approximately 400,000 square meters, the campus is organized into a logical grid of numbered towers and access points. The main entrance is at 4 Place Jussieu, with clear maps and signage provided at entryways. The elevated grid structure, open courtyards, and green spaces offer a unique environment for study, research, and relaxation (Sorbonne Faculty of Science and Engineering).

Academic Evolution and Scientific Legacy

Originally part of the University of Paris, the campus became a hub for the Université Pierre-et-Marie-Curie (UPMC) and Paris Diderot University after 1970. UPMC, named after the Curies, grew to host over 125 laboratories and collaborated closely with major research institutions like the CNRS. Today, following its merger with Paris-Sorbonne University in 2018, the campus is the home of Sorbonne University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering (wikiwand.com).

Notable research centers include the Institut Henri Poincaré, the Institut d’astrophysique de Paris, and the Laboratoire Kastler-Brossel. The campus’s legacy is intertwined with scientific milestones, including pioneering research in radioactivity by Pierre and Marie Curie, and the discovery of artificial radioactivity by Irène and Frédéric Joliot-Curie in 1934 (musee.curie.fr).

Renovation and Modernization

A significant chapter in the campus’s recent history involved the removal of asbestos, discovered in the 1990s. This led to a comprehensive renovation from 1996 to 2016, which modernized facilities, improved safety, and enhanced the campus’s environmental sustainability, all while preserving its architectural heritage (wikipedia.org).

The Zamansky Tower was rehabilitated and re-inaugurated in 2009, continuing to serve as a symbol of scientific progress.

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Tours

Hours: The campus is open to the public Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Some areas may be accessible until 8:00 PM, but access to specific buildings can be restricted during academic periods.
Tickets: Entry to campus grounds is free; no tickets are required for general visits.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are available during select periods, particularly during European Heritage Days in September. For current schedules and reservations, consult the official Sorbonne University website or inquire at the visitor center.
Curie Museum: Located at 11 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Admission is free, though some guided tours or exhibitions require advance booking (musee.curie.fr).

Access, Transportation, and Accessibility

Metro: Jussieu station (Lines 7 and 10) is adjacent to the main entrance; Cardinal Lemoine (Line 10) is nearby.
Bus: Multiple lines service the area.
Bicycle: Bike racks are available on campus.
Parking: Limited public parking is available; public transport is recommended.

The campus is committed to accessibility, offering ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Visitors with reduced mobility are encouraged to contact the visitor center for assistance (Sorbonne Sciences Campus Life).

Events, Exhibitions, and Cultural Life

The campus hosts a vibrant calendar of scientific exhibitions, public lectures, and cultural events throughout the year. Notable initiatives include:

European Heritage Days: Special guided tours and tower access.
Nuit des Musées: Free evening tours and activities.
Cité de l’Innovation: Opening in 2025, this new “arche” will foster collaboration between academia and industry (lebonbon.fr).
Art Spaces: La Passerelle gallery and EDAC host art exhibitions and workshops.

Key Facilities and Points of Interest

Libraries: The Jussieu Scientific Library and Charcot Library hold extensive collections in science and neurology (Edarabia).
Student Spaces: The Atrium Café, Le Foyer, and Maison de la Vie Étudiante offer food, relaxation, and cultural programming.
Research Institutes: While access to labs is typically restricted, public science events and lectures are periodically offered.

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit with these Parisian highlights, all within walking distance:

Curie Museum: Explore the preserved laboratory and legacy of the Curie family.
Jardin des Plantes: Paris’s oldest botanical garden and home to the National Museum of Natural History (World in Paris).
Latin Quarter: Historic district with lively streets, cafes, and bookshops.
Panthéon: Mausoleum housing the remains of France’s national heroes, including Marie and Pierre Curie.
Rue Mouffetard: A bustling market street, ideal for experiencing everyday Parisian life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the campus visiting hours?
A: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM (some areas open until 8:00 PM). Certain buildings may have restricted access.

Q: Is there an entry fee or need for tickets?
A: Campus entry is free; no tickets required for general access.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, particularly during European Heritage Days and special events. Check the official website for details.

Q: Is the campus accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: The campus provides ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Some older areas may be less accessible; contact the visitor center for assistance.

Q: Can I visit the Zamansky Tower?
A: Public access is generally limited to special occasions.

Q: How do I reach the campus via public transport?
A: The Jussieu metro station (Lines 7 and 10) is directly adjacent.

Q: What are nearby attractions?
A: Jardin des Plantes, Curie Museum, Latin Quarter, Panthéon, and Rue Mouffetard.

Q: Are there dining facilities on campus?
A: The Atrium Café and nearby Latin Quarter offer diverse food options.

Visitor Tips

Plan ahead: For guided tours, check event calendars and book in advance.
Wear comfortable shoes: The campus is extensive and best explored on foot.
Accessibility: Contact in advance for assistance if you have specific needs.
Events: Time your visit with European Heritage Days or Nuit des Musées for expanded access.
Stay connected: Download the Audiala app for immersive audio tours and detailed maps.
Photography: Permitted in most areas; flash restrictions apply in exhibitions.

Conclusion

The Pierre-et-Marie-Curie Campus is a living testament to Paris’s scientific achievement, architectural ingenuity, and vibrant academic culture. From its innovative grid design and the iconic Zamansky Tower to its storied legacy in the advancement of science, the campus invites visitors to engage with the past, present, and future of discovery. Whether you are drawn by history, architecture, or the spirit of innovation, a visit to Jussieu promises a memorable experience at the crossroads of tradition and progress.

For the latest information on hours, tours, and cultural programming, consult the official Sorbonne University website.

References and Official Links

Stay updated and enhance your experience: Download the Audiala app for guided audio tours, explore related posts on Paris historical sites, and follow Sorbonne University on social media for the latest events and visitor information.

Photos in this guide include alt tags such as “Pierre-Et-Marie-Curie Campus Jussieu view,” “Zamansky Tower Paris panorama,” and “Paris historical sites aerial view.”