The City of Arts and Sciences – a futuristic oasis in Valencia

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences) is the largest tourist attraction in Valencia. The complex was designed by the renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The entire complex covers an area of 350,000 square meters and includes several separate buildings:

• El Oceanogràfic – Oceanarium in Valencia (largest oceanarium in Europe)
• El Hemisfèric – Planetarium and IMAX cinema
• El Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe – Prince Felipe Science Museum
• El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía – Reina Sofía Arts Palace
• El Umbracle – A covered walkway with gardens and sculptures

Of the three characteristic white buildings, the Hemisferic is located in the middle. The object that was opened on the grounds of the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia as the first, in 1998. . It is shaped like an eye, and a significant part of its facade is made of glass. Inside, you can see a large white ball, which is the projection room. The building is surrounded by a pool on almost all sides, where you can swim in a rented boat. Inside, there is a planetarium and an IMAX cinema with a screen area of 900 square meters, the largest cinema in Spain.

Ticket prices per screening:

• adults – €8.00

• reduced ticket– €6.20

The second building to be finished was the Science Museum, which opened in 2000. It is among the most distinctive and impressive buildings in the complex, and its shape resembles a dinosaur’s skeleton. Inside, visitors can enjoy a variety of scientific animations and interactive exhibits related to the latest breakthroughs in science and technology. The museum’s motto is “No touching, no feeling, no thinking.” The museum has a spaceship simulator that recreates the three stages of preparing for a space launch.

Ticket Prices:

• Normal – €8.00,
• Reduced – €6.20.

Opening Hours:

• Every day from 10:00 to 18:00, 19:00, or 21:00 – depending on the season

The Umbracle, constructed in 2001 and affectionately known as “the canopy,” immediately captivates your attention with its towering structure of interconnected arches, with palm trees gracefully piercing through from within. Upon entering, you will discover a stunning and meticulously maintained Mediterranean garden, complete with a 320-meter-long promenade. Besides palm trees, there are orange trees, rosemary, lavender, and lotus blossoms thriving here. Playful kittens lounge in the cooling shade, while a symphony of birds and parrots soars above. The air is always filled with cheerful chirping. This is a sanctuary where you can escape the urban hustle and reconnect with nature. The best part? It’s absolutely free!

In the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, you’ll find the largest aquarium in Europe! You can explore 500 different species of animals divided into various zones, including the Arctic pavilion, Mediterranean aquarium, tropical sea aquarium, dolphinarium, the oceanic zone with an underwater tunnel, and an aviary surrounded by stunning architecture. It’s one of the most fascinating attractions in Valencia! The avant-garde buildings, designed by Felix Candela, were opened in 2003.

Ticket Prices:

• Normal – €31.90,
• Reduced – €23.80.

Opening Hours:

• Daily from 10:00 to 18:00, 20:00, or 22:00 – depending on the season.

The most northerly building in the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia is the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, also known as the Palace of the Arts. The building was built in 2005 and is itself a complement to the buildings that were built here several years earlier. Its most characteristic part of the structure consists of a roof called a feather and a part of the facade that is as white as snow. Inside, we will find 4 halls where events such as opera, ballet and theater take place. The Main Hall can accommodate over 1,400 spectators on four levels. This means that it is currently the third largest hall in the world.

The newest building in the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia is the Agora. It was opened in 2009 as a venue for events. What sets it apart from other buildings is that it’s more navy blue than white. One may say that it resembles a surfacing whale.

PRICES

If you want to visit several attractions in Valencia at the same time, you can buy a combined ticket. It will be cheaper!

• Hemisferic + Science Museum – 12 EUR (reduced 9.30 EUR),

• Hemisferic + Oceanarium – 33.40 EUR (reduced 25.10 EUR),

• Oceanarium + Science Museum – 33.40 EUR (reduced 25.10 EUR),

• Hemisferic + Oceanarium + Science Museum – 39.10 EUR (reduced 29.50 EUR), valid for 3 days.

Reduced ticket applies to children from 4 to 12 years old and seniors from 65 years old. Children under 4 years old have free admission.

PARKING

City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia: Parking

There is a large car park under the Umbracle building.

It is open from 8:00 to 24:00 every day and is paid for.

The price is 2.30 €/hour, 24.00 €/day, or 7.00 €/day if you show a ticket to one of the attractions.

If you are looking for free parking, you can try the square located opposite the Palace of Arts between Carrer de Nino Bravo and Avinguda de l’Alcalde Gisbert Rico. Although it is often challenging to find an available space, it is worth trying!

The City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain, is a stunning architectural and cultural complex that seamlessly blends art, science, and nature. Whether you’re a science enthusiast, an art lover, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, this wonderland offers something for everyone.

If you find yourself in Valencia, don’t miss the opportunity to explore this extraordinary complex. With its futuristic architecture, educational exhibits, and cultural events, it’s not just a place to visit; it’s an experience to remember.