Set in Valencia’s former Turia riverbed, the City of Arts and Sciences is a cultural and science complex designed mainly by local architect Santiago Calatrava. Its white, futuristic buildings rise beside pools and landscaped paths, so even a walk around the grounds is a worthwhile stop. Go inside to explore the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, watch an IMAX or planetarium show at Hemisfèric, or visit the Oceanogràfic aquarium. The complex also includes the Palau de les Arts opera house and the Umbracle garden. Allow extra time if you plan to see several attractions.
A complex in the Turia riverbed
The City of Arts and Sciences occupies part of the former Turia riverbed, now a major green corridor through Valencia. The complex covers about 350,000 square metres and was conceived as an open cultural and leisure district within the city. Hemisfèric opened in 1998, the first of its attractions to receive visitors.
Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava designed most of the complex. Its large white structures, reflecting pools and open spaces create a clear contrast with Valencia’s older streets and buildings. The grounds are spread out, so allow time to walk between the different attractions.
What to see outside
You can enter the outdoor areas without buying an attraction ticket. The pools and paths give you changing views of the architecture, and the buildings’ reflections are a distinctive part of the setting. The Umbracle is a landscaped walkway with local plant species, where you can take a shaded stroll.
The complex is part of the Turia Gardens, so it works well as one stop on a longer walk through the park. The gardens stretch across the city along the former riverbed. You can also visit the City simply to look around and take photographs without going inside a museum or show.
Choose an attraction to go inside
The Príncipe Felipe Science Museum has interactive exhibits designed to make science accessible through hands-on exploration. The subjects include the human body, robotics and genetics. Family activities and exhibits for children are part of the museum’s programme; one noted experience is seeing chicks hatch.
Hemisfèric houses an IMAX cinema and planetarium. Its eye-shaped design makes it one of the complex’s most recognisable buildings. Shows and exhibitions have their own tickets, so check the options before you visit if you want to see a particular screening.
Oceanogràfic is the complex’s aquarium, with marine environments and an underwater tunnel. It is a substantial attraction in its own right, so include it in your plans if you want to see more than the outdoor architecture. The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía is an opera house, while the Ágora is a multipurpose cultural space.
Planning time for your visit
A walk around the grounds takes less time than visiting the museums, aquarium or a show. A few hours gives you time to see the main outdoor spaces and look around, while a full day may suit an itinerary that includes several attractions. Weekdays and early visits are useful choices if you want fewer people around you.
Admission is charged for the indoor attractions, and advance tickets are recommended. There are cafés, restaurants and places to buy snacks within the complex. If you are travelling with children, the interactive science exhibits and aquarium provide options beyond sightseeing outdoors.
FAQ
Can you visit the City of Arts and Sciences for free?
You can walk around the outdoor areas without an attraction ticket. Admission is charged for the museums, aquarium and shows.
How long should you spend at the City of Arts and Sciences?
Allow about 3 to 4 hours for a good look around. Seeing several attractions can take a full day.
What can you see inside the complex?
The complex includes the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, Oceanogràfic aquarium, Hemisfèric IMAX cinema and planetarium, Palau de les Arts opera house, Umbracle garden and Ágora multipurpose space.
Is advance booking recommended?
Yes. Advance tickets are recommended for the attractions.
