Centre de découverte des sciences et de la terre, Volcanological museum in Saint-Pierre, Martinique
The Centre de Découverte des Sciences de la Terre is a volcanological museum in Saint-Pierre, Martinique, built at the foot of Montagne Pelée. It features interactive displays, a small cinema showing films about eruptions and tsunamis, and a themed garden overlooking the volcano.
The centre was built by the Conseil général de la Martinique using the latest anti-seismic standards and inaugurated in February 2004. It stands at the northern exit of Saint-Pierre, on the left bank of the Rivière des Pères, next to the ruins of the former Habitation Périnelle and facing the Montagne Pelée volcano. It serves as a memorial to the 1902 eruption and a centre for raising awareness of natural hazards.
The centre sits at the foot of Montagne Pelée, and from its windows you can look directly at the slopes that were buried in 1902. The interactive exhibits and short films are designed for all ages, making it a common stop for school groups and families traveling through the north of Martinique.
A free audio guide is available by scanning a QR code at the entrance, which helps with the French-language displays. Plan for at least two hours to go through the exhibits and watch the films; the building is accessible and parking is available on site.
The centre was built by the Conseil général de la Martinique to the standards of the latest anti-seismic techniques and inaugurated in February 2004. Its themed garden holds a giant aerial photograph of Martinique covering 36 m², laid out facing the ruins of the former Habitation Périnelle and the slopes of Montagne Pelée.
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