The City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències) is Valencia’s complex of white, futuristic buildings by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, laid out along just under two kilometres of the old Turia riverbed. Walking around the outside is free. Inside are three paid sights: the Oceanogràfic aquarium (adults €35.90–€43.05 depending on the date), the Hemisfèric cinema and the Science Museum (each from €8.90). A “La Ciutat” ticket for all three costs €47.75 at mid-season prices (as of October 2026). Plan a full day for everything, or half a day for one or two.
Right now in City of Arts and Sciences
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Tickets and tours for City of Arts and Sciences
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Why it matters
After a catastrophic flood in 1957, the River Turia was diverted south of Valencia, and its dry bed became a long park crossing the city. In the 1990s the regional government chose the last stretch, near the sea, for a showcase of science and culture. The public company Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències was created in 1996, and the buildings opened one by one: the Hemisfèric on 16 April 1998, the Science Museum and the Umbracle in 2000, the Oceanogràfic in 2003 and the Palau de les Arts opera house in 2005.
Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava designed all the main buildings except the Oceanogràfic, whose curving, water-lily roofs are the work of Félix Candela. Their white concrete, ribbed steel and broken-tile mosaics, mirrored in shallow pools, make this the most photographed corner of modern Valencia.
What you’ll see
- Oceanogràfic: the largest aquarium in Europe, with up to 45,000 animals of 500 species, from sharks and belugas to penguins, in buildings themed on the world’s seas, plus an underwater tunnel. The dolphin show is included; arrive 30 minutes early for a seat.
- Hemisfèric: shaped like a giant eye, with an ovoid roof over 100 metres long and a 24,000-square-metre pool around it. Inside, over 300 seats face a concave screen of 900 square metres for IMAX, 3D and planetarium films of about 45 minutes. The new fulldome film Black Holes. Unknown Horizons opened on 2 October 2026.
- Museu de les Ciències: a vast hands-on science museum with interactive exhibitions, such as Dance! The Art of Movement (until January 2028), and live science shows and a space simulator for €3.50 extra.
- Umbracle: a free garden walk 320 metres long under 55 fixed and 54 floating arches, 18 metres high, with palms, bitter-orange trees, sculptures and views over the whole complex. It sits above the car park.
- Palau de les Arts and Àgora: the 75-metre-high opera house hosts opera, concerts and ballet (visit with a performance ticket), and the Àgora now houses CaixaForum València.
Tickets and how to visit
From the official City of Arts and Sciences and Oceanogràfic websites, as of October 2026:
- La Ciutat ticket: Oceanogràfic, Hemisfèric and Science Museum over one to three days, €47.75 general or €37.40 reduced at mid-season prices.
- Two venues on one day: €41.30 general, €30.80 reduced. One venue (Hemisfèric or Science Museum): from €8.90, reduced from €6.90.
- Oceanogràfic only: adults (13–64) €35.90–€43.05; children 4–12, over-65s and visitors with a disability €26.65–€31.95. Under-4s go free.
- Reduced rate: children aged 4–12, over-65s and retired people, pensioners and visitors with a disability. Under-4s are free. Students and youth-card holders get 15% off at the ticket offices.
- Hours and prices change by date: check the online calendar. The Oceanogràfic closes between 16:00 and 22:00 depending on the day. Ticket offices close an hour before the venue.
- Rules: tickets are not refundable, there’s no bathing in the pools, and outside food is not allowed in the Oceanogràfic. Buildings can close during weather alerts, as the Science Museum and Hemisfèric did during a red rain warning on 1 October 2026.
- Parking: the Umbracle car park costs €2.30 an hour, or €7 a day with an entry ticket.
How long to allow and when to go
Allow about three hours for the Oceanogràfic, two for the Science Museum and an hour for a Hemisfèric film. A full combined day is long with children, so many people use the La Ciutat ticket over two days. Prices are lower on quieter dates, so book online. Come back at dusk, when the buildings are lit and reflected in the water.
Accessibility
The Oceanogràfic’s buildings all have ramps or lifts; manual wheelchairs can be borrowed at the information point (€10 deposit), and prams are allowed. The Science Museum has adapted lifts, including large ones operated by staff, and the Hemisfèric has a lift wide enough for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Visit València publishes a detailed accessibility guide for each building.
Getting there
Metro line 5 stops at Alameda, and line 10 at Ciutat Arts i Ciències–Justícia, both a short walk away. City buses 13, 14, 35 and 95 serve the complex; the 95 also links the bus station and Bioparc. The nicest way in is on foot or by bike through the Turia Gardens from the old town, about 2.5 km.
Combine it with
Cycle on from here to the marina and the city beaches, or come back through the Turia Gardens to the old town. Our Valencia travel guide covers the rest of the city, and our cycling and beaches guides have more ideas for the day.
City of Arts and Sciences FAQ
Is the City of Arts and Sciences free?
Walking around the outside, the pools and the Umbracle garden is free. You pay to go inside the Oceanogràfic, the Hemisfèric and the Science Museum.
How much does the City of Arts and Sciences cost?
As of October 2026, the Oceanogràfic costs €35.90–€43.05 for adults depending on the date, the Hemisfèric or Science Museum from €8.90, and the La Ciutat ticket for all three €47.75 at mid-season prices.
Which part is best if I only have time for one?
The Oceanogràfic, for most families: allow three hours. For a quicker visit, a Hemisfèric film takes about 45 minutes.
How long do you need at the City of Arts and Sciences?
A full day to see all three paid venues, or half a day for the Oceanogràfic and a walk around outside.
How do I get to the City of Arts and Sciences?
Metro line 5 to Alameda, line 10 to Ciutat Arts i Ciències–Justícia, or buses 13, 14, 35 and 95. Many visitors walk or cycle through the Turia Gardens.
Is the Oceanogràfic wheelchair accessible?
Yes. All its buildings have ramps or lifts, and wheelchairs can be borrowed at the information point.