On 15 May 2025, CMS officially inaugurated its new control room at Point 5 in Cessy, France. The celebration brought together guests from CERN management and representatives of all LHC experiments to mark this significant upgrade to CMS’s operational infrastructure.

If CMS were a human body, the control room would be its central nervous system — the space where operators maintain round-the-clock vigilance over real-time detector operations. Serving as the first line of response in case of any malfunction, it is indispensable for the smooth, efficient, and safe functioning of the entire CMS detector.

To meet the evolving needs of the experiment, particularly in view of the upcoming High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) phase, a brand-new facility has been constructed adjacent to the original control room. Roughly double the size of its predecessor, the new space has been designed to enhance operational functionality while providing ample room for shifters overseeing both current and future sub-detectors. The original control room is now being repurposed to serve its originally intended role: a dedicated Data Acquisition (DAQ) room.

“The new control room is more than just a beautiful space — it’s an essential upgrade to sustain the increasingly complex operations of CMS as we prepare for the HL-LHC,” said Filip Moortgat, CMS Run Coordinator. “Its design allows for more effective coordination across teams, reflecting how experimental physics is evolving.”

Group photo inside the new CMS Control Room during the inauguration celebrations. (Image: S. Hurst/CERN)

Transferring all critical control systems — including safety and data monitoring — to the new facility was a significant logistical challenge. The operation had to be precisely executed during the annual Year-End Technical Stop (YETS), the narrow window when the detector is offline for maintenance and upgrades. Thanks to careful planning and execution, the transfer was successfully completed on schedule, allowing data-taking to resume without delay.

Originally opened in March 2024, the control room has already set new data-taking records and is being gradually enhanced with additional screens, tools, and personnel.

From left to right: Hafeez Hoorani (CMS deputy spokesperson), Gautier Hamel de Monchenault (CMS spokesperson), Giulia Negro (CMS deputy Run Coordinator), Joachim Mnich (CERN Director of Research and Computing), Anadi Canepa (CMS deputy spokesperson), Mark Thompson (CERN director general elect), Filip Moortgat (CMS Run Coordinator), Andrea Massironi (CMS Run Coordinator) (Image: S. Hurst/CERN)

Beyond its technical upgrades, the new space was also designed to enhance the visitor and shifter experience. The control room’s central circular layout improves visibility, facilitates quick communication, and places key personnel — such as shift leaders and technical shifters — at the heart of operations. An integrated art exhibit adds a human touch for visitors, helping to demystify the control room’s activities and offering an inviting glimpse into CMS’s scientific world.

“This space is also where many young physicists take their first steps into the heart of CMS operations,” added Andrea Massironi, CMS Run Coordinator. “It’s a vibrant, collaborative, and educative environment that embodies the spirit of the EP department — bringing together people, technology, and science in real time.”

The inauguration day featured sunshine, refreshments, and a strong sense of community — a fitting tribute to the many individuals who made this ambitious project a reality.