Archives of Globe of Science and innovation

Identity Statement [Top]

Reference code(s)

CERN-ARCH-GLOBE-001 to CERN-ARCH-GLOBE-052

Title

Archives of Globe of Science and Innovation

Date(s)

1946 - 2016

Level of description

Sub-fonds

Extent of the unit of description

32 boxes, 4 linear metres

Context [Top]

Name of creator

Globe of Science and Innovation

Administrative history

The Globe of Science and Innovation, formerly known as “Palais de l’équilibre”, was given to CERN in 2004 by the Swiss Confederation to celebrate the Laboratory’s 50th anniversary.

Most of the timber of the outer shell of the Globe of science and Innovation began life as the main element of the Swiss Pavillon at the World Exhibition in Hanover, the work of architect Peter Zumthor. Later for the Neuchâtel site of the Swiss Expo 02, it was dedicated to the theme of sustainable development and welcomed 1.9 million visitors over the six months of the exhibition. After the exhibition, the Swiss Confederation invited proposals for long-term use of the sphere. CERN’s proposal to make it a venue for the representation of science 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 designed by Thomas Bûchi (Charpente Concept) and Hervé Dessimoz (Groupe H) and built by a consortium of 11 Swiss companies who specialise in timber construction. Its sphere is 28m high, 40m is diameter and constructed almost entirely from wood and represents the planet Earth. Thermal and sound insulation were added in the first half of 2005 for the comfort of users and visitors.

The Globe was used at CERN for the first time on 19 October 2004 for the official celebrations of CERN’s 50th anniversary. It opened with limited access to the public in September 2005 with the temporary exhibition about the Nobel Prize winner, George Charpak. Then it housed the “1001 years after Einstein” exhibition, opened to honour Science Day, from October 2005 to March 2006. The Globe is used for temporary activities in the form of exhibitions, presentations and events.

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Pellequer, Bernard, International Relations sector, Education Communication and Outreach, Visitor and Local engagement service

Content & Structure [Top]

Scope and content

The Globe of Science and Innovation collection contains various documents including correspondence, photos, press releases, newspaper articles, blueprints, exhibition information, specifications, reports, etc.

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information

Nothing was destroyed.

Accruals

No further accruals are expected.

System of arrangement

The original order has been preserved.

Conditions of access and use [Top]

Conditions governing access

See file level description and the CERN operational circular No 3: rules applicable to archival material and archiving at CERN. In general, records on any subject that are over 30 years old, and all records of a purely scientific nature, may be consulted.

Conditions governing reproduction

Copyright is retained by CERN, no reproduction without permission.

Language / scripts of material

Most of the material is written in French, some in English and German.

Finding aids

Listed to file level in the CERN Archive Database.

Allied materials [Top]

Related units of description

 

Note

 

Description control [Top]

Archivist's note

Description prepared by Ana Lima de Oliveira

Date(s) of description

Geneva, the 29th November 2017