The Globe

The Globe of Science and Innovation

A landmark for CERN

The Globe is undeniably becoming the landmark for CERN. The role of this new spherical building is to serve as a source of pride for the scientific community by sharing the important work done at CERN not only with those living in the regions of France and Switzerland surrounding Geneva but more generally with the whole of Europe.

At 27 metres in height and 40 metres in diameter, it’s about the size of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. A landmark by day and by night, the Globe stands out in the wine-growing countryside not far from Geneva. Its wooden structure constituting a symbol of sustainable development, the Globe sends a clear message on science, particle physics, cutting-edge technologies and their applications in everyday life.

The timber of the outer shell of the Globe of Science and Innovation began life as the main element of the Swiss Pavilion at the World Exhibition in Hanover in 2000, which was the work of architect P. Zumthor. It consisted in a quantity of wooden planks symbolizing sustainable development. Those planks were then transformed into the spherical openwork sections that form the outer shell of the present building, which was designed by T. Büchi and H. Dessimoz of Geneva for the Swiss National Exhibition Expo '02. 

The building, which for Expo '02 was called the "Palais de L'Equilibre", was dedicated to the theme of sustainable development and welcomed 1.9 million visitors over the six months of the exhibition.

After Expo '02, the Swiss government requested proposals for long-term uses for the structure. CERN’s proposal to make the Globe a venue for the presentation of science, technology and industry to the general public, as well as for debates and exchanges on innovative technologies in partnership with private sector companies and public sector institutions, was chosen. 

The Globe was rebuilt on the present site in 2004 and was first used on 19 October 2004 for the official celebrations marking the Fiftieth Anniversary of CERN.

Additional work on safety installations and thermal and sound insulation has been completed in the meantime.

The Globe has been open for limited access by the public since 16 September 2005.

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