In a few weeks, on 7 October, CERN will formally inaugurate CERN Science Gateway. As our Director-General, Fabiola Gianotti, noted in her email to personnel on 11 September, this is a project to which many of you have contributed and which we all look forward to becoming a unique place where visitors of all ages, from near and far, will learn all about CERN’s science and people. She has invited the CERN community and families to a pre-inauguration of Science Gateway on 19 and 20 September.

Please note that, contrary to the original announcement, visitors must be over 18 years of age. This is due to safety reasons, as Science Gateway will still be a construction site. Thank you for your understanding. From 8 October, you will be able to visit with family members of all ages.

Many of you have expressed interest and we have received several questions, which we will address here:

Do family members need a CERN Access card?

Accompanying family members over the age of 18 (see above) will need to have their CERN Access card with them. If they do not have a CERN Access card, they can obtain one at building 55. More details are available in the CERN admin e-guide.

Do I need to register?

You must register for the pre-inauguration talk on Tuesday 19 September at 1.30 p.m. You do not need to register for anything else during the two days. More details here.

Will I be able to see all areas of CERN Science Gateway?

This pre-inauguration, including the visits, will take place during the final, intense stage of preparing for the formal inauguration on 7 October and the opening to the public as of 8 October. Several areas of the building are a worksite, so for safety reasons some areas may be cordoned off. 

Will there be hands-on activities?

The visits will be an experience of looking rather than experimenting with the exhibits and lab activities. This will allow work to carry on, to have everything ready for the opening to the public. Thank you in advance for your understanding.

You can find more information here.