City of Arts and Sciences

City of Arts and Sciences

Valenciana, Comunidad

85/100180 min

The City of Arts and Sciences is a renowned architectural and cultural complex located in Valencia, Spain. Designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, it showcases neofuturistic architecture and serves as a hub for science, art, and entertainment. The complex was inaugurated in 1998 with the opening of El Hemisférico, an IMAX cinema and planetarium. It is situated at the end of the old Turia riverbed, which was transformed into a lush garden following the river's diversion after a devastating flood in 1957. The complex includes several striking buildings, such as the Oceanogràfic aquarium and the Ágora event space. Conceived originally as a City of Science and Technology to make Valencia a landmark destination, the project has evolved through political changes and redesigns but remains a symbol of modern innovation and cultural significance in the city. It attracts millions of visitors annually and is one of Spain's architectural jewels, combining educational exhibits with spectacular design.

Pianifica il tuo viaggio in Spagna con l'IA

Crea un itinerario dettagliato in pochi minuti. L'IA suggerisce i migliori luoghi, ristoranti e un percorso ottimizzato.

Consiglio: The best time to visit is during spring or early autumn when the weather is mild and outdoor areas are pleasant. To avoid long queues, purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended, especially for popular attractions like the OceanogrĂ fic. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups. Visitors should allocate several hours to fully explore the complex and consider guided tours for enhanced understanding of the architecture and exhibitions.

Fatti interessanti

  • ‱The City of Arts and Sciences won the 12 Treasures of Spain contest in 2007.
  • ‱It is located on the former riverbed of the Turia, which was diverted after a catastrophic flood in 1957 and transformed into a public garden.
  • ‱The complex features one of the largest aquariums in Europe, the OceanogrĂ fic.
  • ‱The architectural style is neofuturistic, combining innovative engineering with artistic design.
  • ‱The originally planned communications tower was canceled after political changes and controversy.

Storia

1989

The project was initiated in 1989 following inspiration from Paris's Cité des sciences et de l'industrie.

The initial concept was developed by scientist Antonio Ten Ros and a team of experts, aiming to create a City of Science and Technology in Valencia.

Construction began in the mid-1990s under the architectural direction of Santiago Calatrava.

Political changes led to temporary suspension and redesigns, including the cancellation of the originally planned communications tower.

1998

The complex officially opened in 1998 with El Hemisférico and expanded over subsequent years with additional structures like the Oceanogràfic and the Ágora, becoming a cultural landmark in Valencia.

Guida del luogo

1
El Hemisférico1998
Santiago Calatrava

The first building inaugurated in 1998, featuring an IMAX cinema, planetarium, and laserium. Its distinctive eye-shaped design makes it a focal point of the complex.

2
OceanogrĂ fic2003
Félix Candela (structural engineering) and Santiago Calatrava (architecture)

The largest oceanographic aquarium in Europe, housing diverse marine habitats and species. It provides educational exhibits on marine biology and conservation.

3
Ágora2009
Santiago Calatrava

A versatile event space located between the Assut de l'Or bridge and the OceanogrĂ fic, used for concerts, exhibitions, and sporting events.

Contatto

Telefono: 961 97 46 86

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