City Of Arts & Science Valencia
No trip to Valencia would be complete without visiting the City of Arts and Science ( la Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias or Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències).
This modern fascinating cultural complex is fast becoming one of Spain’s most popular and recognisable attractions.
Located at the end of an ancient riverbed of the River Turia just a ten-minute walk from the beach and marina.
The river was drained and rerouted after a major flood in 1957.
Valencia City of Arts is home to the largest marine and aquarium park in Europe, the stunning aquarium building was designed by Felix Candela and is reminiscent of one of Gaudi’s impressive works.
As well as housing an aquarium the City of Arts and Science is truly a modern and inspiring complex that includes a planetarium, science museum, botanical gardens and a grand opera house.
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The City of Arts & Science
The City of Arts and Sciences was inaugurated in 1998 with the opening of the first building, the Hemispheric.
The last major addition to be added was the Queen Sofia Arts Centre which opened in 2005.
The construction of the whole complex went over budget on numerous occasions and reportedly cost around 1.2 billion Euros to build.
The Buildings
The City of Arts and Sciences is made up of six buildings, The Hemispheric, The Principe Felipe Science Museum, The Queen Sofia Palace of the Arts, The Umbracle, Agora and Oceanographic Centre.
Hemispheric
The Hemispheric ( Hemisferic ) is the centrepiece of the City of Arts and Science and was built to resemble a giant eye. It is also known as the planetarium and was the first building to be completed in 1998.
The building houses an amazing IMAX 180 degree Cinema, a planetarium and laserium.
Oceanographic Centre
The Oceanographic Area ( Oceanografic ) is home to the largest aquarium in Europe. The tank holds a staggering 40 million litres of water and was built in the shape of a water lily.
The aquarium is home to over 45,000 items with 500 different marine species which live around nine underwater towers.
Species on show include dolphins, sawfish, starfish, belugas, turtles, penguins, sea lions, sharks, rays and walruses.
There is also a wetland area for many kinds of bird species.
The Principe Felipe Science Museum
The Principe Felipe Museum opened in 2000 and was built to resemble a whale skeleton.
Situated over three floors it houses numerous interactive exhibits.
The first floor has enviable views over the water.
The second floor is dedicated to the “Legacy of Science” and on the third floor you will find an area known as the “Chromosome Forest” which shows the sequencing of DNA plus the areas known as “Zero Gravity” and “Space Academy.
Umbracle
The Umbracle opened in 2007 and is an area dedicated to planting
species indigenous to the Valencia region such as rosemary, lentisca, lavender, palm trees, honeysuckle and bougainvillaea.
There is also an outdoor art gallery with an area known as the “Walk of Sculptures”.
Queen Dona Sofia Centre For Performing Arts
The Queen Sofia Palace of Arts (El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia) is dedicated to the performing arts with four main halls including the main hall, Amphitheatre and the Camera Theatre.
Various events are held here such as operas, theatre productions and live music performances.
Agora
The Agora (L’Agora) opened in 2009 and is a large covered plaza designed for holding music, international sporting events, exhibitions and conventions.
Assut Bridge
The futuristic Assut bridge was built to carry vehicles and pedestrians over the River Turia between the Science Museum and the Agora building.
Oceanographic Entrance Ticket
