Spring at the Lumen: the programme for April to June 2026

Culture Article published on 27 March 2026 , Updated on 31 March 2026

The Lumen, the learning centre of Université Paris-Saclay, continues its rich and accessible programme throughout April, May and June. Exhibitions, talks, workshops and friendly events invite you to explore the major scientific and cultural themes at the heart of the university from a different perspective.

These events notably address the challenges of artificial intelligence, the links between research and creation, as well as the major scientific questions that run through our society.

Exhibitions

All exhibitions are free of charge and open to the public, and can be visited during the Lumen’s opening hours:

Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 10:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Location: exhibition hall.

“The Energy of Life”

Production: Design Spot and Big Bang Project agency.

Until 12 April 2026.

Free admission.
Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 10:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Location: the Lumen exhibition spaces.

This exhibition explores the dynamics of living systems through the lens of design and contemporary creation. Visitors can discover original works that question the relationship between nature, technology and artistic creation.

The exhibition was conceived by Guillian Graves, a designer specialising in biomimicry and founder of the Big Bang Project agency, together with Design Spot at Université Paris-Saclay.

More information about the exhibition.

Exhibition Forum: presentation of the Diagonale cultural workshops

Come and discover the work created by the participants in the cultural workshops! Photography, screen printing and much more are waiting to be explored.

  • 13–30 April 2026.
  • Opening reception on 14 April at 5:30 pm.

Free admission.
Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 10:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Location: Lumen Forum.

“AI at Risk of Running Out of Control”

Produced by Universcience.

  • 20 April – 17 May 2026.
  • Opening reception: 5 May, late afternoon.

Free admission.
Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 10:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Location: exhibition hall.

 

 

Optics and Art module

  • 11–29 May 2026.

Free admission.
Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 10:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Location: exhibition hall.

Research work by second-year Master’s students in design at ENS Paris-Saclay

  • 28 May – 30 June 2026.

Free admission.
Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 10:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Location: exhibition hall.

Ceremony and lecture-performance

26th Literary Prize Ceremony of ENS Paris-Saclay

On Tuesday 7 April at 6:00 pm at the Lumen, join us in celebrating Ambre Chalumeau, winner of the ENS Paris-Saclay Literary Prize for her first novel Les vivants (Éditions Stock).

For the past 26 years, a jury of 15 students from École Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay has selected a French-language debut novel to award each year from a shortlist of 10 titles.

During this event, the jury will present its favourite, and the author will discuss her writing process with the audience. The bookshop Lagiraf will be present for sales and book signings.

  • Tuesday 7 April at 6:00 pm

Free admission.
Location: the Lumen.

Learn more.

Lecture-performance on pollination

Take the time to enjoy this theatrical lecture—funny and moving—which invites you to meet flowers and bees, to discover their intimacy and their close relationship, as well as the growing threats that stand in the way of their bond. Prepare to be immersed in an extraordinary journey of co-evolution.

  • Thursday 9 April.

Free admission, open to all.
Time: 7:00–8:00 pm
Location: Lumen Forum.

More information.

Regular events

Sciences à la Coque

Short, accessible scientific presentations during lunchtime to spark curiosity and critical thinking.

16 April 2026: When science sheds light on art – the role of synchrotron radiation in the restoration of artworks.
May (date to be confirmed): Sound therapy (further information to come).
9 June 2026: Solar eclipses.

In partnership with the Paris-Saclay urban community.

Free admission, open to all.
Time: 12:30–1:30 pm
Location: Lumen auditorium.

Lunch Break Concerts

Enjoy the Lunch Break Concerts—short musical performances during the lunch break, offering a moment of relaxation and culture at the heart of university life.

14 April 2026 - information and registration.
19 May 2026.
16 June 2026.

Free admission for the concert. Registration required to receive a sandwich, reserved for Université Paris-Saclay students only.
Time: 12:30–1:30 pm
Location: Lumen Forum.

Afterworks

Join an afterwork at the Lumen - a friendly and informal gathering to meet researchers, students and enthusiasts around scientific and cultural topics in a relaxed atmosphere.

16 April 2026
11 June 2026

Further information to come.

Scientific and cultural events – for all the family

Designed for all audiences, these events invite families, the curious and enthusiasts to discover science in a different way, through interactive and accessible formats.
One Saturday afternoon per month, free admission:

9 May 2026: Local meet-up “Let’s talk”.
6 June 2026: Film screening and discussion.

Further information to come.

Practical information

Address
Lumen – Learning Center at Université Paris-Saclay
8 Avenue des Sciences
91190 Gif-sur-Yvette
Moulon district – Paris-Saclay Campus

Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 8:30 am – 10:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Closed on public holidays.

By public transport:
From RER B – Le Guichet station: take bus 4606 (towards Université Paris-Saclay / Christ de Saclay), 4609 (towards Massy-Palaiseau station), or 9105 (towards Polytechnique Vauve), and get off at “Université Paris-Saclay”. The Lumen is about a 5-minute walk away.

From RER B – Orsay-Ville station: take bus 4607 (towards Plateau de Moulon - Corbeville) or 4609 (towards Jouy-en-Josas station), and get off at “Université Paris-Saclay”.

From RER B – Massy-Palaiseau station: take bus 4606 or 9106 / 5154 (towards Université Paris-Saclay / Christ de Saclay), or 4609 (towards Jouy-en-Josas station), and get off at “Université Paris-Saclay”. Then walk for about 5 minutes.

By car:
Access via the N118, exit 9 – Centre universitaire / Moulon, then follow signs for the Moulon university campus. Parking is available nearby.

Also read

Le Lumen Learning Center

Projet emblématique de l’Université, le Lumen Learning Center est à la fois une bibliothèque universitaire revisitée à l’ère du numérique, un espace de travail et un lieu de médiation.