Grotte Chauvet, l'aventure scientifique: immerse yourself in prehistoric art with the Cité des Sciences

In 1994, a small group of speleologists in the southern Ardèche discovered an unexpected treasure: a perfectly preserved cave with over 400 paintings and engravings dating from the Paleolithic period. The Chauvet cave is an exceptional find for prehistory specialists , and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Cité des Sciences et de l' Industrie is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the discovery of this cave, with an exceptional exhibition running from October 15, 2024 to May 11, 2025. Immerse yourself in the"Grotte Chauvet, l'aventure scientifique" exhibition, and discover all the secrets of this important prehistoric site.

For the occasion, the Cité des Sciences invites us to walk in the footsteps of researchers, on an artistic, interactive and scientific journey.

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The exhibition raises several big questions, and invites us to find the answers by playing scientist. Who decorated this cave, and for what purpose? What techniques did Palaeolithic man use to paint these animals? With the help of clues and original tools used by researchers, visitors can analyze the paintings found, bear or wolf remains, fire tracks, footprints left on the ground...

Our opinion:

Here, the Cité des Sciences invites you to immerse yourself in the heart of the Grotte Chauvet in an exhibition that's sober (it's been designed to have the smallest possible environmental impact), but no less fun for all that.

The adventure unfolds in four stages: first, you're introduced to the Grotte Chauvet, a jewel of prehistoric art; then it's your turn to slip into the shoes of the researchers and discover the living beings who lived there; and finally, you're invited to take a closer look at cave art from the archaeologists' point of view.

The Cité des Sciences offers a host of fun, interactive features, including an introduction to photogrammetry, a technique used by the researchers in the caves, the opportunity to walk on the walkways used by them in their research, and even the chance to dress up like them when they go exploring! Here, it's all about the immersive experience you have during your visit: and it's also an opportunity to showcase the work of the researchers and make it more accessible to the general public. In fact, each researcher is featured prominently in the exhibition: all you have to do is spot the balloon lamps hanging from the columns, each of which presents a researcher working on the project. In short, a must-see exhibition at the Cité des Sciences!

With this exhibition, the Cité des Sciences invites you to discover the Chauvet cave as if you were there. Take up the challenge with your family!