Hemisfèric is an IMAX cinema and planetarium in Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the building resembles a giant eye reflected in the pool around it. Inside, educational films cover subjects such as space, nature and science, with digital 3D screenings on a vast concave screen. Most documentaries run for less than 45 minutes, so a screening can fit between visits to the nearby science museum and aquarium. It suits families and anyone curious about science, though wide-angle scenes can feel dizzying from the front rows.
The eye-shaped building
Hemisfèric was the first building completed in Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, it opened in 1998. Its form represents a human eye, and the pool surrounding the structure reflects its outline.
The building sits within a complex that also includes the Museu de les Ciències, Oceanogràfic, Umbracle, Palau de les Arts and Àgora. The different venues host screenings, exhibitions, workshops and other activities connected with science, technology, nature and art.
Films and planetarium shows
Inside, Hemisfèric combines an IMAX cinema, a planetarium and digital 3D screenings. Films take in subjects including space exploration, astronomy, evolution, oceans and forest environments. The concave screen fills much of the audience’s view, and some presentations use 3D glasses supplied with the ticket. The language can be changed through the glasses for applicable screenings.
Most educational documentaries last under 45 minutes, with some films listed at around 20 to 30 minutes. That shorter format makes a screening easier to fit into a day spent visiting the wider complex.
Choosing a seat
The scale of the screen is central to the experience, but a seat close to the front can make wide-angle scenes uncomfortable for some people. Arriving early gives you more chance to select a centered position. If you use a translation headset, the middle rows can help limit distraction from overlapping Spanish narration.
Planning a visit to the complex
Hemisfèric is one of several major stops in the City of Arts and Sciences, alongside the science museum and Oceanogràfic. A combined ticket covering those three venues has been mentioned as a way to save time and money, but check the current ticket options before you go. The shorter screening length can also work as a break between visits to the other buildings.
Preguntas frecuentes
What is Hemisfèric in Valencia?
It is an IMAX cinema and planetarium in the City of Arts and Sciences, with digital 3D screenings and educational films.
How long does a Hemisfèric film last?
Most educational documentaries run for less than 45 minutes. Some screenings are around 20 to 30 minutes.
Where should you sit in Hemisfèric?
Choose a centered seat for a balanced view, and avoid the front rows if wide-angle scenes make you dizzy. Middle rows can also help if you are using a translation headset.
Can you change the screening language?
For applicable 3D screenings, the supplied glasses let you select a preferred language.
