Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía

The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía is an opera and performing-arts centre in Valencia, Spain, and a major element of the City of Arts and Sciences complex. It was designed by Santiago Calatrava and opened in the mid-2000s.

A modern, sculptural building that houses opera, orchestral and contemporary performances along with rehearsal and support spaces. Public areas include foyers and terraces that provide views over the adjacent pools and the Turia Gardens; the complex also hosts exhibitions and cultural events.

Commissioned as part of the late-20th and early-21st-century redevelopment of the Turia riverbed, the building was constructed in the early 2000s and inaugurated in 2005 as Valencia’s primary large-scale performing arts venue. It has since been used for national and international music and opera productions.

Situated on the southern stretch of the Turia Gardens in Valencia, the Palau sits within the City of Arts and Sciences recreational and cultural precinct, a short distance from the city centre.

• Architect and opening year: Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava and inaugurated in 2005 as part of the City of Arts and Sciences complex.
• Viewing points: Terraces and pedestrian bridges around the building offer clear views over the Turia Gardens and the surrounding water features.