At the City of Arts and Sciences on Av. del Professor López Piñero, Museo de las Ciencias brings science to life through hands-on exhibits on the human body, space, technology and the environment. Santiago Calatrava’s long, ribbed building resembles a whale skeleton, so there is plenty to look at before you go inside. Children can join activities in Espai dels Xiquets, including watching chicks hatch in a large incubator. The museum is spacious, so choose a few exhibits to focus on if you have limited time.
A science museum shaped like a whale skeleton
Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe is part of Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, a complex that also includes L’Hemisfèric and L’Oceanogràfic. Architect Santiago Calatrava designed the museum as a long structure with a ribbed outline reminiscent of a whale skeleton. Its scale and unusual form are part of the visit, even before you reach the exhibits.
The building measures 220 metres long, 80 metres wide and 55 metres high. Inside, the museum spreads across three floors, with displays intended to encourage curiosity through direct interaction. Buttons, experiments, large images and explanatory text invite visitors to explore rather than simply look at objects behind glass.
Hands-on exhibits and children’s activities
The exhibits cover subjects including the solar system, the human body, the brain, technology and the environment. Displays include themes connected with Leonardo da Vinci, Mars and the Moon. The museum also has material on sustainability and on ways technology has affected people’s lives.
Children’s activities take place daily in Espai dels Xiquets. One is “Welcome to life,” where a large incubator lets children watch chicks hatch. Games led by Plumitas, the museum’s virtual mascot, are another option for younger visitors. The museum’s rooms also have interactive displays for exploring science and technology together.
There is a lot to cover across the building, and the size can make a visit feel spread out. Pick the subjects that interest you most before setting off, especially if you are visiting with children or have limited time. Some exhibition information is available in English, but English descriptions are not present throughout every exhibition.
FAQ
What can children do at Museo de las Ciencias?
Children can explore interactive exhibits and join daily activities in Espai dels Xiquets. These include games with the virtual mascot Plumitas and an incubator where chicks hatch.
What subjects are covered in the museum?
Exhibits cover topics including space, the human body, the brain, technology and the environment. Displays also include themes connected with Leonardo da Vinci, Mars and the Moon.
Who designed Museo de las Ciencias?
The museum was designed by Santiago Calatrava. Its long, ribbed form is inspired by the shape of a whale skeleton.
