Science Festival 2026: free activities on offer at the Val-d'Oise Archaeological Museum (95)

The Val d’Oise Archaeological Museum opens its doors free of charge to curious visitors on October 10 and 11, 2026, for the Science Festival. Take a look at the lineup of family-friendly activities planned for those days.

Everyautumn, numerous museums, schools and scientific institutions open their doors to us for a very special event. The aim of the Fête de la Science is to introduce us to the many professions involved in science, to showcase the great discoveries and work of researchers, and to introduce children to the mysteries and wonders of science.

Chemistry, astronomy, mathematics, robotics, oceanography, archaeology, botany... A multitude of disciplines highlighted through interactive activities and tours open to everyone, from October 2 to 12, 2026. A fun and educational way to soak up knowledge!

Over the weekend of October 10 and 11, 2026, the Val d'Oise Archaeological Museum takes part in this 2026 edition of the Science Festival. For the occasion, the museum opens its doors for free to all visitors and runs a range of workshops geared toward children and teens. Discover the lineup of activities awaiting you at this Val d'Oise museum.

The lineup for this year's Science Festival 2026 at the Val d'Oise Archaeological Museum:

The grand unveiling of Genainville's paintings
For several months, the Archaeological Museum has been undergoing a major transformation: moved partitions, freshly painted walls, restored collections… A sweeping reorganization of the Genainville site galleries is ahead for 2026-2027. After years of study and careful restoration, a milestone looms: the spectacular return of the ancient wall paintings from the Genainville temple. Come rediscover the brilliance of their colors, the finesse of their motifs, and the full richness of this exceptional setting.

Saturday, October 10

11:00 • Public inauguration
The grand unveiling of Genainville’s paintings
Registration required

14:00 (1h) • Lecture, suitable for ages 13 and up
The restoration of the paintings
Step behind the scenes of the restoration...
During this talk, experts reveal years of painstaking work. Through their narratives, discover the secrets of an exciting restoration campaign and the crucial challenges of conserving this fragile heritage. A rare chance to revisit Genainville’s sanctuary and its paintings with a totally refreshed perspective.
With the Centre for Studies on Roman Wall Paintings
Registration required

14:00, 15:00 and 16:00 (20 min) • Flash tours, suitable for ages 8 and up
The secrets of Genainville’s ancient site
Free access

16:00 (1h30) • Tasting tour, suitable for ages 8 and up
Taste History!
Prepare your palate for a genuine journey through time.
As you wander the permanent collections, discover the flavors of yesteryear through tastings inspired by archaeological finds. Let History awaken all your senses and enjoy a delicious, unexpected experience where the past isn’t just told—it's savored!
Registration required

Sunday, October 11

14:00, 15:00 and 16:00 (20 min) • Flash tours, suitable for ages 8 and up
The secrets of Genainville’s ancient site
Free access

14:00 (1h30) • Rare tour, suitable for ages 13 and up
Behind the scenes: an exclusive look at the reserves
Step into the heart of archaeology!
This unique tour invites you into a fascinating world, where one-of-a-kind objects unveil the past’s secrets, with a special focus on Genainville’s hidden collections. Then roll up your sleeves and touch, observe, and experiment during an interactive activity that follows, step by step, the major stages of the archaeological investigation.
An immersive experience where you become, for a moment, a fully-fledged archaeologist.
Registration required

15:45 (2h) • All-ages workshop, suitable for ages 8 and up
The technique of fresco painting
Paint like the Romans!
Discover the techniques and uses of fresco painting in the Gall-Iberian era, where every gesture mattered and each color came to life on a still-wet wall. Then, in your turn, step into the shoes of an antique artisan and create your own fresco motif to live an immersive moment where ancient art is reborn in your hands.
Registration required

Participation criteria:
• Target audiences: 6–11 years, 11–15 years, 15–18 years, 18–25 years, 25 years and above
• Conditions: Reservation required
Schedule : Saturday, October 10 — 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 11 — 2:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

For more family and scientific outings, discover the Fête de la Science events in the 95 region.

Science Festival 2026: workshops, tours and hands-on experiments in Val-d'Oise (95)
Experiment, observe and exchange with researchers: Science Festival 2026 expands its schedule in Val-d’Oise (95). Discover the program planned across the department from October 2 to 12. [Read more]