City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences or La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias de Valencia in Spanish was the main reason that I decided to visit Valencia on my first trip to Spain. I saw pictures of the complex in a magazine and decided that I needed to visit it. I really enjoy architecture and this was when I first became aware of the architect Santiago Calatrava.
Opera House at The City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences was designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela. Calatrava designed the buildings that house the Opera House, IMAX Theater, Science Museum and Promenade/Car Park. Candela designed the Aquarium or Oceanográfico. The complex is located in what was once the River Turia. The river had been diverted in the 1960’s to stop the city from flooding and the river bed was turned into parks for the city.
IMAX at the City of Arts & Sciences
City of Arts and Sciences IMAX Theater
The buildings were even more interesting in person than in the pictures. They were spread out over a large area with parks and water pools surrounding them. I spent a couple hours just walking around the buildings and taking pictures. I really wish I had visited at night because the buildings would look amazing when they are lit up.
Close Up of the Architecture
Park on Roof of City of Arts and Sciences Parking Garage
Besides looking at the buildings there are many activities to keep you busy for the whole day. There is an IMAX Theater, Science Museum, Opera House and one of the largest Aquariums in Europe. The only one of these that I visited was the aquarium. The aquarium was really enjoyable and had a great variety of fish and animals to see. My favorite part was the clear tunnels that you could walk through and be surrounded by the fish.
Aquarium Underwater Tunnel
I went to Valencia primarily to visit The City of Arts and Sciences and as an added bonus I found a city that is a great place to spend a few days.
Science Museum at City of Arts and Sciences
Important Information
- The City of Arts and Sciences Website
- The Complex is just outside the historic downtown area and is easily reached by public transportation
- Valencia is less than a two hour train ride from Madrid and three hours from Barcelona. Visit Spain’s RENFE site for more information on the trains.
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I’m with you, Jeff! This place is very appealing for those of us who love architecture. Definitely one of the more unique structures in the world. I haven’t been there yet, but it’s on my list.
Valencia is well worth a visit. It does not get the credit that Barcelona, Seville and Madrid gets but it is a very enjoyable city with a lot going for it.
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What a great design! Another reason for me to visit Valencia – I missed it on my last trip to Spain. I do see some similarities to the Milwaukee Art Museum’s design.
Thanks for showing me this post, Jeff!
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Yes you need to visit next time. I spent most of the day at the complex.
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