The ‘City of Arts and Sciences’ in Valencia is a cultural complex of architectural grandeur, standing as a testament to both its designers Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, as well as Valencia as a whole. Characterised by its futuristic shapes and avant-garde design it brings an unmissable allure to the city, with each unique building serving a unique purpose and attraction. In Spanish it is called ‘Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.’
Walking towards the complex, you are greeted by the renowned ‘Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia’, which is a magnificent opera house and renowned performing arts centre. It hosts a variety of cultural events, including operas, concerts, ballets, and theatre performances, attracting artists and audiences from around the world. With soaring white arches and beautiful bouquets of flowers gracing the balconies, it invites you into ‘The City of Arts and Sciences’ and sets the standard for the other grand buildings you are about to encounter.
Near to the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia stands ‘L’Hemisfèric’, an eye-catching building resembling a giant eye. It houses an IMAX cinema and a planetarium, offering visitors immersive cinematic experiences . Next door to this is the City of Arts and Sciences museum, which is known as ‘Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe’… a building you can definitely spend hours exploring in. This science museum is dedicated to interactive learning experiences regarding astronomy and space exploration too. It has been designed to resemble the skeleton of a whale. These designs incorporate personal touches to each building, whilst maintaining the futuristic and geometric shapes throughout the complex. and education
Next to the museum is the ‘L’Umbracle’, an open-air garden and sculpture gallery that serves as an entrance to the complex. L’Umbracle features a series of landscaped walkways, lush greenery, and contemporary sculptures, providing visitors with a serene and picturesque retreat amidst the urban landscape.
Spanning the Turia Gardens is the now iconic ‘L’Àgora’. This multifunctional space hosts a variety of events, including concerts, exhibitions, and sporting competitions, and its striking architecture makes it a focal point of the complex.
L’Oceanogràfic is an oceanarium. Covering an area of 80.000 m2 it combines the biggest aquarium in Europe, an underwater restaurant and sea displays that range from the Arctic to the Tropical. Even a 70m underwater glass tunnel is available for visitors to be in close contact with sea creatures from all over the world.
Report by Abi Kara-Fernandes
Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’
‘City of Arts and Sciences’ photo copyright Abi Kara-Fernandes / 24/7 Valencia
CITY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Av. del Professor López Piñero, 7
Quatre Carreres
46013
València
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