If you come to València, a visit to the City of Arts and Sciences is a must. Work of the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, several of its buildings have become icons in the city. It is a scientific and cultural leisure complex which can be enjoyed with family or friends, covering around two kilometres of the former riverbed of the River Turia. Be sure to plan your trip to the City of Arts and Sciences, because there is a lot to see.
Oceanogràfic
No trip to València is complete without visiting the Oceanogràfic, Europe’s biggest aquarium. With seven different marine environments, almost 45,000 specimens of 500 different species can be seen, such as dolphins, belugas, walruses, sea lions, seals, penguins and sharks. Don’t miss the exhibition taking place daily in the dolphinarium. Reserve at least half a day for the trip.
Hemisfèric
The Hemisfèric is a digital 3D cinema, with a huge 900 metre concave screen, which almost envelops spectators. Several films are screened daily, mainly educational documentaries of no more than 45 minutes which are suitable for all audiences. You will receive a pair of innovative 3D glasses with your ticket enabling you to change the screening language. If you are travelling with children, there is usually a film geared towards children once a day. We recommend that you check the film listings and reserve the screening that you would like to see before starting your visit to other buildings of the City of Arts and Science.
Science Museum
With the philosophy “Not touching is prohibited” you can imagine what kind of museum this is. The Science Museum offers different interactive exhibitions about science and technology. You can visit without entering the ground floor, where there is usually a temporary exhibition, some shops, the bathrooms and a restaurant. You will need a ticket for the remaining exhibitions. The Museum also offers scientific workshops for all visitors for which you will have to buy a separate ticket.
Palau de les Arts
If you are a music-lover then the Palau de les Arts is the place for you at the City of Arts and Sciences. From October to November, its programme includes operas, concerts, zarzuela and ballet. When not being used for performances, you can visit the building by booking in advance on the website.
Umbracle
The Umbracle is a huge, open-access garden covering more than 17,000 m2 where you can stroll around and take in the typical Mediterranean plants and contemporary sculptures. Terraza Mya opens its doors at night during the summer months, where you can have a drink under the moonlight. The public car park of the City of Arts and Sciences is located just below the Umbracle.
Ágora
The most recent building at the City of Arts and Sciences, the Ágora is a versatile venue hosting a wide variety of events. It is not usually open to the public and cannot be visited.
Assut de l’Or
Also work of the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, the Assut d’Or Bridge crosses the former riverbed of the River Turia, between the Science Museum and the Ágora. There are several lanes for traffic in both directions and there is a pedestrian bridge in the centre connecting the two banks of the Turia Garden.
For more information please visit: https://www.visitvalencia.com/