Exhibitions at the Science Museum of Valencia... 'Memoria' • 24/7 Valencia

##The Museu de les Ciències is part of the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences), which is the landmark project on the southeast end of the Turia park. There are always plenty of things to do and see around this cultural hub, and the Museu de les Ciències is full of continually evolving exhibitions. One of such exhibitions is Memoria, which ’24/7 Valencia’ reports on below.

The Memoria exhibition at the science museum is located in the open space on the first floor, with a backdrop of floor to ceiling glass panels that offer great views of outside. Although it doesn’t have the more theatrical ‘dedicated spaces’ feel of the museum’s bigger enclosed exhibitions (with the dramatic lights and immersive mood), the Memoria exhibition is not a small ‘filler’ section; it is bursting with interesting information and activities. As is the standard for the Museu de les Ciències, Memoria is full of interactive elements and multi-media formats. The layout of the arts and sciences space really makes you think about how they have designed the exhibition in an interesting trajectory when you go through.

So, how does the display work? There are many small sections and stalls, each themed around a certain topic or fact on memory. This includes the social sciences as well, exploring the emotional and sociological aspects of memories, remembering, forgetting, and the impact of sentimental images and objects.

In one section, there is a chest of drawers that house small time capsules from different times, often accompanied by the stories and memories of the objects’ owners. Of course, there is a lot of interesting information on the neurological sides too; expect diagrams and graphics of different parts of the brain where I’m sure you will learn something you didn’t know (unless you’re a brain surgeon or neurologist etc.)! If you’re wondering – yes, this exhibition does include a scientific model with removable parts of the brain, all labelled like they have in a doctor’s office.

There is a very educational section on Alzheimer’s disease, which tells us about what it is, how it happens, and how to prevent this degenerative condition. Alongside this, there are many touching stories about people’s individual memories, where it feels like an honour that they share that piece of their life with the museum, and with us.

If you are going to visit with a companion, this exhibition is made for you. Whilst it is still good if you go alone, there are a few practical activities that require two people. These little memory exercises, drawings, and experiments are short and sweet. There are also quotes about memories, remembering, and meaning on the walls, from influential people around the world. If one speaks to you, it is perfect to take a nice picture of for you to remember! As you’re making your way around Valencia, whether you are here short-term or much longer, you’ll be making memories here. Perhaps after this exhibition, you will notice something about your brain and how it forms memories…

The exhibition is definitely one to look forward to on your next visit to the ‘City of Arts and Sciences’ of Valencia. It is located right beside Museu de les Ciències’ large-scale model of Foucault’s pendulum that swings mesmerically in the main atrium, and opposite a permanent display of the building’s history which includes scale models, architectural drawings, and photographs documenting its construction. Memoria is a display that works well in dialogue with the surrounding exhibitions, such as Mars: The Conquest of a Dream, Chromosome Forest, and Play – Science and Music. Overall, this exhibition of memory is well worth a visit, and is included in your ticket access to the exhibition spaces.

You can find it at:
Museu de les Ciències
Avda. del Professor López Piñero (Historiador de la Medicina) nº 7
46013
València.

Tickets and further information to plan your visit can be found on their website:
https://www.cac.es/en/home.html