The first ALICE exhibition, containing pieces of ALICE detectors and posters, was first created on the occasion of CERN's 50th anniversary.

The idea was to introduce the public to the physics of ALICE and to show some of the detector technologies used. This first exhibition served well its purpose for many years. However, at some point, it became clear that it needed a facelift. 

In addition, since the location at Point 2 is very noisy, it was necessary to build a closed structure inside the hall at 2285 rather than having the exhibition in an open space. Last but not least, the ALICE outreach team wanted ALICE to be included in the official CERN visits, so it was necessary to satisfy the requirements of the CERN visits service.

With the collaboration of the CERN ECO group, we designed a completely new exhibition, which was inaugurated in January 2018.

The visitors first watch an introductory film, which explains the physics of heavy ion collisions and the method and tools used for their study. The films exists in 12 languages and is aimed at general public without prior knowledge of particle physics. Detector pieces are embedded in a real-size mockup of the central part's cross section; additional showcases contain more detectors and three touch screens offer explanations to those interested in finding out more. A whole decommissioned detector (the first silicon Inner Tracking System, used during the first ten years of LHC) is also exhibited. A set of screens connected to two cameras inside the ALICE cavern offer the opportunity to visitors to get a glimpse of the experimental installation in real time

We hope you will enjoy your visit to the ALICE exhibition !

Here is a link to get more information on how to organize your visit.