The Court of Auditors has issued a scathing assessment of the management of Universcience, the public institution that encompasses the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie and the Palais de la Découverte. In a report published on July 7, the financial magistrates highlight a lack of strategic direction, inefficient governance, costly human resources management, and a persistently conflictual social climate.
The institution is particularly concerned about the financial situation of the establishment, which has accumulated nearly 50 million euros in deficit since 2020. The closure of the Palais de la découverte for renovation has significantly reduced revenue, while the increase in payroll has exacerbated the difficulties, placing Universcience in a cash flow situation deemed critical.
Construction sites deemed unsustainable
The Court also believes that the two major real estate projects undertaken by the institution require a thorough review. While the renovation of the Palais de la Découverte, scheduled to reopen in 2027, remains a key issue, it is the modernization project for the Cité des Sciences that is causing the most concern. Estimated at around €1,5 billion, its cost is considered "unsustainable" and must be revised more realistically.
Faced with these difficulties, the judges recommend that Universcience refocus on its primary mission of disseminating scientific and technical culture, streamline its organization, and strengthen the role of its supervisory ministries. They also call for further development of philanthropy to diversify the institution's resources, which are currently funded more than 70% by public subsidies.
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