History Centre
La Coupole, located 5 km from Saint-Omer (Nord-Pas-de-Calais), is one of the most impressive remains of the Second World War in Europe. With its overwhelming scale, the underground nature of its installations and the pain and suffering of the forced labourers who built it, it is a symbolic site of Nazi oppression.
This huge bunker, built by the Todt Organisation in 1943-1944, was to be the launch base for the V2 rockets aimed at London. Developed in the ultra-secret Peenemünde centre by Von Braun’s team, these missiles were, along with the American atomic bomb, the most innovative devices developed during the Second World War. The V2s were mass-produced in the “Mittelwerk” underground factory in the heart of Germany by deportees from the Dora concentration camp.
La Coupole was heavily bombed by the Allies and abandoned in the summer of 1944, after D-Day in Normandy. The V2s, which struck London and Antwerp from September 1944, were launched by mobile units based in Holland.
Since 1997, the site, which has been transformed into a History and Remembrance Centre, has welcomed more than 2 million visitors, a cornerstone of tourism in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region.
3D planetarium
The V2 rocket, the forerunner of all modern rockets, was due to be launched from La Coupole. Today, at the former launch base, you can set off to explore the Universe in the company of our guides, in a 360° projection room equipped with revolutionary 3D technology. Floating through the Universe, hurtling towards the Moon aboard the Saturn V, setting foot on Mars... An unforgettable experience for all the family!
Each session lasts between 50 minutes and 1 hour, beginning with a journey into space with commentary by our guides (15 minutes), followed by a themed film of your choice (35 minutes).
The films are projected in 3D using 6 video projectors, combined with an astronomical simulator that generates very high-resolution 360° images. Featuring a 360° hemispherical screen 15 metres in diameter, a floor inclined at 15° and a 5.1 surround sound system, the Planetarium offers spectators total immersion in Space and Science.
Terms and conditions of the offer:
Holders of the annual season pass are entitled to reduced rates on tickets for the History Centre and 3D Planetarium, on presentation of their Nausicaá annual season pass and proof of identity:
• For the History Centre: €9 per adult instead of €10.50
• For the planetarium €8 per adult instead of €9
• 10% discount in the shop when you buy a combined adult ticket (History Centre and 3D Planetarium) or a La Coupole family pass.