La Géode, Geodesic dome cinema in Parc de la Villette, Paris, France
La Géode is a dome structure made of 6,433 polished stainless steel triangles mounted on a metal frame, forming a sphere 36 meters (118 feet) in diameter. Inside sits a film theater with a hemispherical screen designed for large-format cinema presentations.
The building was designed in 1985 by architect Adrien Fainsilber and engineer Gérard Chamayou, opening as part of the Cité des Sciences complex. It has since shaped the park's identity and underwent major renovations starting in 2018.
The name La Géode refers to a geode, reflecting the crystalline appearance of this shimmering structure. Visitors notice how the mirrored dome captures and reflects the park's surroundings, creating different impressions depending on the time of day and weather conditions.
The theater is easily accessible via two nearby Metro stations: Corentin Cariou on Line 7 and Porte de Pantin on Line 5 are both close by. Visitors should note that entry inside is tied to film screenings, so it's best to check ahead for available showtimes.
The outer shell's 6,433 polished steel triangles are not joined tight: the gaps let them expand in heat, and rainwater slipping between them is collected in the basin around the dome. Inside, the cinema sits in a separate 6,000-tonne reinforced concrete sphere held up by a single 17-metre central pillar.
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