The Science Museum in Valencia is part of a massive project called the City of Arts and Sciences. It is an extensive urban space transformed into a cultural and entertainment complex, full of futuristic buildings, including Europe’s largest oceanarium with a birdhouse and a dolphinarium.
Personally, I believe that the Science Museum in Valencia is a place worth visiting, and in the article below, I will explain why. I will also discuss the attractions that await you there. I will also provide a lot of practical information, facts, and interesting titbits to help you explore this extraordinary place.
The opening and history of the Science Museum in Valencia
The establishment of the Science Museum in Valencia, like the entire City of Arts and Sciences, was a major event not only in Valencia but also throughout Spain. Many argued that such enormous funds, absorbed by the project, could have been used in a more sensible way. Economists sounded the alarm that the investment would basically never pay off, and they were right. The construction consumed a real fortune, but should one only look at such undertakings from a financial perspective? After visiting Valencia, I think absolutely not.
The city gained not only the biggest tourist attraction that other cities in the region could only dream of, but also prestige and a place where the residents of Valencia can relax and spend their spare time.
The full name of the museum is Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe (Prince Philip’s Science Museum), and I couldn’t find out why. I assume that Prince Philip somehow contributed to the realization of the project. The museum’s grand opening took place in 2000, symbolizing Spain’s entry into a new, marvel-filled millennium of modern technology.
The building was designed by the eminent architect and sculptor from Valencia, Santiago Calatrava. Since the museum’s opening, an average of two and a half million people visit it annually.
What to do and see in Valencia and how much it costs
- Oceanogràfic Entry Ticket; Explore the largest sea life centre in Europe with an entry ticket to Oceanogràfic. Discover different ocean environments as you marvel at fish, sharks, whales, and other marine species.
- 24 or 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket; Explore Valencia in the easiest way, with 24- and 48-hour, hop-on hop-off tickets available to see the sights at your leisure.
- Bioparc Valencia Admission Ticket; Explore the heart of Africa without leaving Europe with an entrance ticket to Bioparc Valencia.
- Book a hotel at a good price and enjoy the beauty of Valencia.
- Rent a car; The rented car will help you realize travel plans faster and more efficiently.
Exploring the Science Museum in Valencia
Remember that this attraction in Valencia is very popular, and you will likely encounter real crowds at the ticket counters. Therefore, it’s a good idea to purchase your entrance ticket online in advance. Consider also buying a combination ticket that allows you to visit other attractions in Valencia.
The Science Museum in Valencia was the second facility to be opened in the City of Arts and Sciences. It was simultaneously the most distinctive building in the entire complex. Personally, the building housing the museum looks like the skeleton of an ancient and monstrous sea creature, with parts protruding from the water.
The interior of the Science Museum is equally fascinating and monumental. It hasn’t been divided into rooms; only partitions separate individual exhibits, and not always. Essentially, you move through the interior of a glass-enclosed space.
The museum’s guiding motto is:
“It is forbidden: Do not touch, do not feel, do not think.”
Therefore, upon entering, remember not to limit yourself to just observing. Everything you see can be touched, and when you don’t understand something, the museum staff will eagerly and joyfully explain any doubts you may have.
In the museum, you will see the most significant achievements of our civilization, ranging from the oldest inventions to the recombination of human DNA. Throughout the interior, numerous informational panels, computer screens, and displays introduce the topics of each area.
Additionally, there are places where you can conduct many interesting experiments yourself. I must mention an issue related to the somewhat convoluted explanation of how individual devices and experiments work, which can be a challenge. At times, I felt like I lacked basic knowledge for further engagement. Later, I learned that this is not solely my problem, and many people complain about how the creators described certain areas. Apparently, this is expected to change soon.
Oh, some information is available only in Spanish, which is rather unfortunate, as a large portion of museum visitors are tourists from abroad. This is also expected to change soon. Reportedly, a project has been created in which the entire information system will be transferred to a phone application. It will work in multiple languages and, interestingly, in a pictographic system so that everyone can understand how things work. In my opinion, this will significantly improve the convenience of exploring.
The museum is divided into three levels, or four if you include the ground floor.
Ground floor of the Science Museum in Valencia
The ground floor is the first area you’ll see, as it houses the entrances to the Science Museum in Valencia. This section is called Calle Menor (Lesser Avenue). Besides the ticket counters, you’ll find a cafe and a restaurant here. I recommend starting with coffee; it’s strong and devilishly good, and the caffeine in it will undoubtedly give you the energy boost you’ll need during your exploration.
On the ground floor, there are several exhibitions that are free to access. These exhibitions and displays are related to television technology and the broader performing arts. Their names are La Ciencia a Escena (Science on Stage) and Estudio de Tv, meaning the science of television. You’ll find explanations of some interesting facts that you might not be aware of while watching TV programs. This includes the recording of sound or tricks using cameras and special lenses.
Additionally, various temporary exhibitions and diverse events are held on the museum’s ground floor. When we visited, there was an exhibition of bicycles, from the oldest peculiar constructions that no one would dare to ride to modern electric bikes. Either way, it’s worth taking a stroll before purchasing a ticket and heading to the upper floors.
First floor of the Science Museum in Valencia
The first floor of the Science Museum in Valencia is dominated by a massive Foucault pendulum with a length of 34 meters, making it possibly the largest in the world. Thanks to this device, you can see that the Earth is not an immovable rock hanging in space but a celestial body in constant motion. The circular motion of the pendulum observed here describes the Earth’s rotational movement, as it is responsible for the changing path of the swinging weight. I think this device could be an effective argument in a conversation with people who believe that the Earth is a flat disc suspended in space. Of course, I’m joking; these people probably don’t want to know the truth.
In addition to the enormous pendulum in the part of the museum called Calla Mayor (Greater Avenue), you’ll find plenty of materials and exhibitions explaining how the Earth’s climate is changing and what causes these changes. Audiovisual materials and various interactive exhibits will help you understand the complexities and fragility of the world around us. I must admit that some historical facts and data, as well as the consequences of the events they illustrate, somewhat alarmed me.
Second floor of the Science Museum in Valencia
Nearly the entire second floor of the Science Museum in Valencia is dedicated to three great Spanish scientists who were Nobel laureates in the fields of physics and medicine. This section of the museum is called El Legado de la Ciencia, which translates to The Legacy of Science.
Here, you’ll find the life stories of Santiago Ramon, Severo Ochoa, and Jean Dausset, who contributed to the development of many scientific disciplines, transforming the lives of many of us. An example is the achievements of Jean Dausset, who, along with his colleagues, discovered and selected genes of the major histocompatibility complex. This helped create drugs that prevent the rejection of transplants by the body.
In this section, you will see how ancient, primitive, and naive research led to today’s discoveries and the creation of fantastic inventions that make our daily lives easier.
Third floor of the Science Museum in Valencia
This floor is dominated by the exhibition on human DNA, hence this part of the museum is named Bosque de Cromosomas, which literally means Chromosome Forest.
Most exhibits, interactive points, and informational areas relate to issues concerning human DNA. An excellent illustration of the floor’s theme is a fifteen-meter sculpture depicting a set of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules.
If you have even a slight interest in biology and how our world is constructed, you will feel like you’re in paradise here. You have access to over a hundred different interactive and informational materials. You will learn, for example, how genes influence our appearance and precisely what they are responsible for.
In the further part of the floor, materials related to space and human presence in space are gathered. It’s interesting to note that some exhibits and displays were created in collaboration with the European Space Agency. Thanks to the latter, a magnificent exhibition titled “Zero Gravity” was created. I particularly liked the spatial model describing the forces that must act on a spacecraft for it to be able to leave the Earth’s gravitational field.
There is so much material gathered on this floor that I honestly wonder how there is still room for another exhibition called “Ciencia y Deporte con el Valencia C.F.” which translates to Science and Sport with Valencia C.F., where you will have the opportunity to learn how modern science and medicine influence the development of sports and athletes. The creators of the exhibition tried to explain, for example, why world records are broken almost every year, even though the last ones seemed to be the ultimate possibility for humans.
Temporary and Occasional Exhibitions at the Science Museum in Valencia
The space in the museum is so vast that it easily accommodates many additional attractions, such as temporary and occasional exhibitions.
During our visit to the first floor, there was an exhibition set up called Pixar (Pixar Animation Studios). As you well know, it is a studio responsible for creating computer-animated films, including hits like Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., WALL-E, and Cars.
In several rooms, life-size models of characters from famous films were displayed, along with their computer renderings. You could trace the process of character creation, from clay models to the computer-generated final result. If you bring kids on a trip to the Science Museum in Valencia, believe me, they will be thrilled.
Each exhibit can be touched, and many can be interacted with. Moreover, on special assembly tables, you can create your own character, which will then be generated and appear in pre-made scenes. It’s a great adventure, and the kids are just an excuse for our enjoyment.
It’s worth checking the museum’s website to find out about upcoming temporary exhibitions.
Exploring the Prince Philip Science Museum in Valencia was a lot of fun and joy for me, and importantly, I gained a lot of knowledge from it. I highly encourage you to add this museum to your Valencia sightseeing plans; it’s definitely worth it.
Practical information about the Science Museum in Valencia
The Science Museum in Valencia is open year-round from Monday to Sunday. During summer, from July to September, it operates from 10:00 to 21:00, and outside this period, from 10:00 to 19:00. When planning your visit, keep in mind that the tour may take about 3 hours, depending on your level of interest.
Tickets cost a few euros, which is a ridiculously low price considering what the museum offers. Due to the museum’s high popularity, it is recommended to purchase tickets online.
On-site, there is a luggage storage facility where the fee is 2 euros per hour or 22 euros for the entire day. This way, you won’t have to carry your luggage during the museum tour.
Valencia’s metro and bus systems operate efficiently, providing easy access to the city centre and, consequently, the area around the City of Arts and Sciences. For detailed information on public transportation in Valencia, refer to the official website.
Another interesting attraction in the City of Arts and Sciences is the Oceanarium. The oceanarium in Valencia, LOceanogràfic, is not only an outstanding amusement park, but also a research station. It allows scientists from all over Europe and the world to study the behaviour of various animals, the properties of entire ecosystems and their depending on changing conditions on Earth.
Facts, Information, and Curiosities about the Science Museum in Valencia
- Architectural Marvel: The Science Museum in Valencia, formerly known as Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe, showcases a remarkable architectural design by the renowned Santiago Calatrava. The building is a futuristic masterpiece, contributing to the city’s skyline.
- Part of the City of Arts and Sciences: The museum is an integral part of the City of Arts and Sciences, a vast cultural and entertainment complex in Valencia. It features futuristic buildings, including the largest aquarium in Europe with an aviary and dolphinarium.
- Inauguration and History: The establishment of the Science Museum in Valencia, along with the entire City of Arts and Sciences project, was a significant event not only for Valencia but also for Spain. Despite concerns about the substantial financial investment, the museum opened in 2000, symbolizing Spain’s entry into a new millennium of technological wonders.
- Architectural Visionary – Santiago Calatrava: Designed by the prominent architect and sculptor Santiago Calatrava, the museum has attracted around two and a half million visitors annually since its opening.
- Exhibits and Experiences: The museum showcases humanity’s significant achievements, ranging from ancient inventions to the recombination of human DNA. Visitors can explore informational panels, computer screens, and displays providing insights into various scientific topics. There are also areas for hands-on experiments.
- Multilingual Experience: While some information is exclusively available in Spanish, efforts are underway to make it more accessible to international visitors. Plans include creating a mobile app with information available in multiple languages, as well as a pictographic system for better comprehension.
- Divided into Levels: The museum is divided into three levels, providing a comprehensive exploration of science and technology. Additionally, a ground floor adds to the overall experience.
- Temporary Exhibitions: The museum’s expansive space accommodates temporary and occasional exhibitions. During one visit, there was an exhibition dedicated to Pixar Animation Studios, featuring life-size models and computer-generated depictions of characters from renowned animated films.
- Practical Information: The museum is open year-round, with longer hours during summer. Tickets, priced reasonably, can be purchased online due to the museum’s popularity. Luggage storage is available on-site for added convenience, and Valencia’s efficient metro and bus systems offer easy access to the museum and surrounding areas.
- In 2006, the International Astronautical Congress took place at the Science Museum in Valencia.
- The following year, in 2007, the museum exhibited the latest model of the McLaren racing team’s car.
- Campus Party, an international event for computer enthusiasts, was held twice at the Science Museum in Valencia.
- In 2004, the museum set a world record for the largest number of players on PlayStation 2.
- The museum features a space flight simulator, providing excellent entertainment and an incredible source of knowledge.
- Some scenes from the film Tomorrowland were filmed at the City of Arts and Sciences
- Interesting cities near Costa Blanca:
- Cullera, located on the Valencia coast, is a resort town known for its beautiful beaches with light and fine sand.
- La Mata is a small town in the south of Spain, located on the Costa Blanca coast.
- San Pedro del Pinatar is a town located on the Costa Calida coast in the province of Murcia, southern Spain.
- Torrevieja is a coastal city and municipality located on the Costa Blanca in the province of Alicante.
- Attractions near Costa Blanca:
- Bodegas Luzon is one of the oldest and largest vineyards in the Spanish municipality of Jumilla, located in the Region of Murcia.
- Cullera Castle (Castell de Cullera) is, in my opinion, one of the most fascinating attractions of the city.
- Dino Park Algar on the Costa Blanca coast, is a land ruled by prehistoric dinosaurs.
- El Palmeral Park in Alicante, a place where you can relax and regain strength.
- L’Oceanogràfic is the Spanish name for the Oceanarium in Valencia, the largest aquarium in Europe, located in the southern part of Spain by the Mediterranean Sea.
- Las Salinas de Torrevieja is an industrial plant that extracts sea salt from a shallow but vast lake in Laguna Salada de Torevieja.
- Natural Park El Fondo, or as the Spanish say, Parque Natural el Hondo, is located in the beautiful region of Valencia, near cities such as Alicante, Valencia, La Mata, Torrevieja.
- Palm Grove of Elche largest palm grove in Europe.
- Rio Safari Elche is a zoo located on the Costa Blanca coast of Spain.
- The Science Museum in Valencia is part of a massive project called the City of Arts and Sciences.
- The goal of our today’s trip is the Valor chocolate factory and museum.
- The Castle of Santa Barbara (Castillo de Santa Barbara), also known as the Alicante Fortress, looms over the city like an unconquerable defender.
- The Church of the Virgin Mary in the Spanish city of Murcia is one of the biggest attractions of the city and an undeniable symbol of it.
- The Naval Museum in Cartagena is a fascinating attraction in the city that anyone with even a slight interest in European history
- The Museum in Torrevieja is an interesting attraction in the port part of the city.
- The Ducal Palace of Gandia is a tourist attraction in the city and a fascinating monument worth visiting during your stay on the Costa Blanca in Spain.
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