Experimenta - Arts Sciences Biennale
When art and science intertwine
About Experimenta
Experimenta is the arts sciences biennale led by l'Hexagone Scène nationale de Meylan and l'Atelier Arts Sciences. Born in 2002 from an encounter between artists, researchers, and industrialists around the question of the imaginary, it offers each edition a month of shows, exhibitions, installations, and conferences throughout the Grenoble metropolitan area. A unique event in France, Experimenta explores the convergence zones between artistic creation, scientific research, and technological innovation.
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Experimenta: The Biennale That Fosters Dialogue Between Arts and Sciences
Since 2002, Experimenta has established itself as a unique event in France, at the crossroads of performing arts, science, and technology. Led by the Hexagone Scène nationale Arts Sciences in Meylan and the Atelier Arts Sciences (a joint research structure between Hexagone and CEA-Grenoble), the biennale takes over the entire Grenoble metropolitan area for a month, from Grésivaudan to Voironnais.
Origins: Imagination as Common Ground
The adventure began in 2002, around a dinner organized by Antoine Conjard, director of Hexagone. Industrialists, academics, researchers, artists, and cultural stakeholders gathered around a foundational question: "Do we share a common imaginary?" From this meeting emerged the Rencontres de l'imaginaire (Imaginary Encounters), then the Rencontres-i, which eventually became Experimenta, the Biennale. The Atelier Arts Sciences, created in 2007 as part of a partnership between CEA-LETI and Hexagone, became the permanent laboratory for this transdisciplinary creative approach.
A Rich and Multidisciplinary Program
Each edition of Experimenta unfolds an ambitious program structured around several complementary components:
- Performances — shows, plays, choreographic and circus creations — presented in partnership with venues across the Grenoble area, blending performing arts with scientific inquiries.
- Exhibitions and installations in iconic heritage sites: the summit of the Bastille, the Musée de Grenoble, the Musée dauphinois, Espace Vallès in Saint-Martin-d'Hères, and the Departmental Archives of Isère.
- Monumental and performative installations in unexpected spaces, such as the Grand Marché des Alpes (MIN of Grenoble).
- Conferences, round tables, and professional days bringing together artists, researchers, engineers, and cultural stakeholders to discuss contemporary issues.
Strong Territorial Roots
Located in the heart of the Alpine region, a historic cradle of French research (CEA, CNRS, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble INP), the biennale draws its strength from this unique ecosystem. The Grenoble metropolitan area, with its cutting-edge laboratories, research centers, and cultural institutions, provides an ideal testing ground for arts-sciences intersections. Over thirty institutional and cultural partners participate in each edition, making Experimenta a unifying event at the metropolitan level.
A Singular Creative Approach
Experimenta's originality lies in its creative process: the works presented are the result of long-term collaborations between artists and scientists, supported by the Atelier Arts Sciences. These cross-residencies foster the emergence of new artistic forms at the frontier of digital art, immersive installation, performance, and visual arts. The projects question our relationship with the world, technology, the environment, and life itself, offering extraordinary sensory and intellectual experiences.
Experimenta — edition 2026
The 13th edition of Experimenta, the Arts Sciences Biennale, will be held in February 2026 in the Grenoble metropolitan area. Led by l'Hexagone Scène nationale and l'Atelier Arts Sciences, this new edition will continue to explore the intersections between artistic creation, scientific research, and technological innovation, with a program of performances, exhibitions, installations, and professional events deployed throughout the Grenoble metropolis.
13th Edition — February 2026
Experimenta returns in February 2026 for its 13th edition. L'Hexagone Scène nationale Arts Sciences and l'Atelier Arts Sciences are preparing a new program blending performances, exhibitions, installations, and reflection sessions on the dialogues between arts, sciences, and technologies.
True to its transdisciplinary approach, the biennale will continue to occupy emblematic venues in the Grenoble metropolitan area — La Bastille, Musée de Grenoble, Musée dauphinois, Espace Vallès — as well as unexpected spaces and partner venues in the region. The works presented will be the result of cross-residencies between artists and scientists, supported by the Atelier Arts Sciences.
The full program will be unveiled in autumn 2025 on the official website www.experimenta.fr.
Programme Experimenta 2026
2026 Program
The program for the 13th edition will be announced in autumn 2025. As with every edition, the program will feature:
- Performances: shows, theatrical and choreographic creations in partner venues across the metropolitan area
- Exhibitions: arts-sciences works in emblematic locations in Grenoble and the metropolis, with free admission
- Monumental Installation: an immersive creation in an unexpected venue in the metropolitan area
- Professional Day: inter-network meetings and exchanges between artists, researchers, and cultural stakeholders
- Conferences and Round Tables: reflection sessions on contemporary arts-sciences issues
Highlights Experimenta 2026
To Note for 2026
- 13th edition of the leading arts-sciences biennale in France
- Dates: February 2026 in the Grenoble metropolitan area
- New projects resulting from cross-residencies between artists and scientists from the Atelier Arts Sciences
- Free admission exhibitions in the emblematic venues of the metropolis
- Full program to be announced on www.experimenta.fr
Prices Experimenta 2026
Practical information — Experimenta
Practical Information
Access and Transport
By Car: L'Hexagone Scène nationale is located at 24 rue des Aiguinards in Meylan (38240), 10 minutes from Grenoble city center. Access via the A41 (Meylan exit) or the southern ring road. Free parking near the theater.
By Public Transport: From Grenoble city center, take tram line B towards Gières, then transfer to bus line C1 or C6 to the "Hexagone" stop. The TAG network (Transports de l'Agglomération Grenobloise) serves all the biennale venues.
By Train: Grenoble station is served by TGV high-speed trains from Paris (3h), Lyon (1h30), and Marseille (2h45). From the station, the tramway connects to the various biennale sites.
Biennale Venues
Exhibitions and events take place in several emblematic locations in the Grenoble metropolitan area:
- Hexagone Scène nationale — 24 rue des Aiguinards, 38240 Meylan
- La Bastille (Lesdiguières and Dutrievoz rooms) — summit site, accessible by the Grenoble cable car
- Musée de Grenoble — 5 place de Lavalette, 38000 Grenoble
- Musée dauphinois — 30 rue Maurice Gignoux, 38000 Grenoble
- Espace Vallès — Place de la République, 38400 Saint-Martin-d'Hères
- Grand Marché des Alpes (MIN) — 117-127 rue des Alliés, 38100 Grenoble
- Archives départementales de l'Isère — Grenoble
Prices and Ticketing
Exhibitions and installations: free admission to all exhibition venues.
Performances: prices vary depending on the partner venues. Ticketing is centralized at Hexagone or with the partner venues. Online booking on the Hexagone website or by phone.
Hexagone Ticketing:
- Online: at theatre-hexagone.eu
- By phone: 04 76 90 00 45
- On-site: Tuesday to Friday from 1 PM to 6 PM, Saturday from 1 PM on performance days
Accessibility
L'Hexagone Scène nationale is accessible to people with reduced mobility. The biennale's exhibition venues have accessibility measures. For specific information, contact the team at 04 76 90 00 45.
Accommodation
The Grenoble metropolitan area offers a wide choice of accommodation: hotels, youth hostels, furnished rentals, and campsites. The Grenoble-Alpes Métropole Tourist Office can assist you with your search: www.grenoble-tourisme.com.
Contact
Hexagone Scène nationale Arts Sciences — 24 rue des Aiguinards, 38240 Meylan
Phone: 04 76 90 00 45 (ticketing) / 04 76 90 09 80 (administration)
Website: www.experimenta.fr
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Experimenta at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Experimenta
Hexagone Scène nationale Arts Sciences et lieux partenaires
24 rue des Aiguinards, 38240 Meylan