Pasteur Institute to open its doors for the 2026 Science Festival in Paris

The Pasteur Institute is opening its doors for one day only on October 10, 2026, to mark Science Festival 2026. Take advantage of this free day to explore the laboratories and biomedical research in Paris’s 15th arrondissement.

The Science Festival 2026 runs from October 2 to 12 under the theme "Savory Science" and invites everyone to explore the world of science. The Pasteur Institute, founded in 1887 by Louis Pasteur, is an internationally renowned biomedical research center that fights infectious diseases and develops innovations for public health. The institute is therefore taking part in this new edition of the Science Festival and invites us to mark our calendars for Saturday, October 10, 2026.

Since 1991, the Fête de la Science has been a must-attend event organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. This national celebration offers thousands of free events across France to democratiser science and foster exchanges between researchers and the public.

The Pasteur Institute has stood as a cornerstone of French research for more than 130 years. Founded by Louis Pasteur in Paris's 15th arrondissement, this private, non-profit institution today brings together more than 2,800 staff on its historic Docteur-Roux Street campus. The Institute is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases through fundamental research, education, and public health initiatives. Its laboratories focus particularly on emerging viruses, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, early-onset cancers increasingly affecting younger people, and neurodegenerative diseases.

What can we do on this special day?

Pasteur Day — Open House at the Pasteur Institute

A Scientific Mission for the Whole Family
On the occasion of the 20th Pasteurdon edition, the Pasteur Institute is opening its doors to the public, exceptionally.
As soon as they arrive, kids become aspiring researchers. Armed with their lab notebook, they are assigned a mission: to follow the steps of a scientific discovery.
Experiments, microscope observations, hands-on activities, a tour of the laboratories, games, and meet-and-greets with the Pasteur Institute teams will pace this lively, participatory day.
Once their mission is complete, the young participants will receive the Pasteur Institute Apprentice Researcher diploma.
Who is the day for?
The event is mainly designed for families with children aged 6 to 15, but everyone is welcome. Young and old alike can discover the Pasteur Institute and delve into the behind-the-scenes of scientific research.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult for the entire visit.
Practical information
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Event hours: 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Last entry: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Pasteur Institute, 205 Rue Vaugirard, Paris 15th arrondissement
Admission: free, with prior registration
Registration link:
Audience: families, primarily with children aged 6 to 11
Estimated duration of the tour: about 1 hour 30 minutes

Participation conditions:
• Target audiences: 6–11 years old
• Requirements: Advance booking required
Hours: Saturday, October 10 — 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

This initiative perfectly embodies the spirit of the Science Festival 2026, which aims to make science accessible to everyone from six years old and up. The event also reflects the Institut Pasteur’s mission to share knowledge with the general public while continuing its pursuit of excellence in the face of today’s major health challenges. With places limited, we encourage quick registration on the dedicated platform so you don’t miss this unique opportunity to glimpse behind the scenes of French biomedical research.