Abstract: A compact arrangement for cell culture is provided by sandwiching a grid matrix containing a multiplicity of perforations therethrough between a planar base and a semipermeable membrane such that the perforations define microchambers for cell culture. The perforations may be in a regular patten such as a honeycomb pattern, and be circular to form microchambers having a diameter of approximately 0.2 to 5 mm. A magnet means can be used to hold the sandwich structure together by placing a magnet on a side of the base opposite the grid matrix and a magnetically attractable film on a side of the membrane opposite the grid matrix. The base may have a diameter of approximately 5 to 20 cm, and be coated with a layer such as an agarose layer lacking cell affinity. A spot surface that forms an island having cell affinity is placed on the layer centrally within each perforation.