Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is a large cultural and architectural complex in Valencia, Spain, known for its modernist white structures and public spaces. The development sits in the former bed of the Turia river and brings together museums, performance venues, and outdoor attractions in a contiguous campus.

The complex contains several major venues: an IMAX/planetarium and media centre, an interactive science museum, a large oceanographic park, an opera house and an elevated landscaped promenade. Pathways, reflecting pools and pedestrian bridges link the components across a site of several hectares.

Designed primarily by architect Santiago Calatrava (with other contributions across the site), the complex was built as part of an urban regeneration project on the old Turia riverbed. Construction and phased openings took place from the late 1990s through the 2000s, with the first completed building opening in 1998 and subsequent major venues opening in the following years.

The complex occupies a riverside urban site within Valencia, on the western edge of the historic centre and inside the long linear Turia Gardens. It is directly accessible from central Valencia and is a short drive or public-transport ride from the city’s main historic and commercial districts.

• Tickets and admissions: Ticketing is typically sold separately for the museum, the Hemisfèric shows and the oceanographic park, so check each venue's admission requirements before visiting.
• Best times to visit: Evening light on the white sculptural structures makes for strong photographic contrasts; early morning is usually quieter for interior exhibitions.

What to See #

• L'Hemisfèric: An IMAX and planetarium building with an elongated, eye-shaped roof and reflecting pools that opened as the first completed structure in the complex in 1998.
• Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe: A large interactive science museum built as a long, skeletal-shaped structure that opened to the public in 2000 and focuses on hands-on exhibits and temporary exhibitions.
• L'Oceanogràfic: A major oceanographic park and aquarium that opened in 2003, sited in a group of water-filled enclosures and notable for its large marine habitats.
• Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía: A multi-level opera house and performing-arts centre completed in the mid-2000s that hosts opera, theatre and music performances.
• L'Umbracle: A landscaped, open-air promenade and botanical walkway that provides elevated views over the complex and contains sculptural elements and planted gardens.
• El Ágora: A covered, multifunctional plaza and sports/event space used for concerts, exhibitions and fairs, located near the other main buildings.