Sitting at the foot of the Turía Park, the City of Arts and Sciences is by far one of the most impressive attractions in Valencia. The futuristic and innovative buildings attract the attention of thousands of visitors per year and are a huge contrast to the traditional Valencian buildings seen in the narrow streets of the old town. The city is made up of the
Hemisfèric, Museo de las Ciencias, Oceanogràfic, Palau de la Artes,
Umbracle and Ágora. Each building is equally impressive, and together they create this spectacular and unmissable attraction.
It is not only the buildings themselves which are a must see, but what goes on inside them, each has its own individual function. The Oceanogràfic is the largest aquarium in Europe with over 45,000 creatures, the Hemisfèric regularly screens films and documentaries on its 900m² curved screen and Umbracle is a beautiful botanical garden which opens at night as a club.
As well as all of their regular functions and activities, the city also organise a full programme of events that has something to suit everyone. Some examples of these which are coming up in the next few weeks are LLUM spectacular at the Oceanografic. Here guests will be allowed entry into the aquarium after normal closing hours and will then be treated to a demonstration in the dolphinarium which combines synchronised swimming and a light show with the intelligent tricks of these incredible animals.
Ending at the end of August, in the Museo de las Ciencias is the Pixar exhibition, created to celebrate 25 years of these well-know animated films. The exhibition was first seen in New York and has toured all round the world before taking up residence in the Science Museum in Valencia. This intriguing exhibition will allow fans an insight into the process of making one of these iconic films as it contains original sketches, scripts and models.
Another event which has been successful and which is continuing to take place until October is the series of open air concerts held on a floating stage which sits on the lake surrounding the City of Arts and Sciences. The concerts take place every Friday (except during august) and all of the performers are students at the Berklee music school in Valencia. Audiences can enjoy all types of music from rock to jazz and blues.
As you can see, the a visit to the City of Arts and Sciences is a must for any visitor to Valencia, all you have to do is decide what to go and see there! Read our other posts on
Umbracle and the
summer programme at the Hemisfèric for more ideas.
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Written By Katie Harvey (Feetup Hostels)
