City of Arts and Sciences - Valencia, Spain
What is It - In the science fiction series Westworld, a global conglomerate known as Delos uses artificial intelligence and other technologies in future years to control the lives and destinies of people all around the world and a select group of androids. When the producers needed a city to represent the futuristic offices and laboratories of the corporation, they selected the City of Arts and Sciences constructed in the heart of Valencia by well-known Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
In the late 1950s, there was a disastrous flood in the Turia River which convinced the city to drain the river and reroute it. After turning most of the dry riverbed into a pleasant city park, the government embarked on a plan in 1989 to turn six acres of the park into public facilities and a tourist attraction for the promotion and enjoyment of the sciences and the arts. After spending almost a billion dollars, the city was fully completed in 2005.
Named one of the 12 Treasures of Spain in 2007, everyone that visits the city is struck by how visually stunning it is. In addition to the ultra-modern buildings and bright pastel colors, the city makes extensive use of water ponds, greenery, and streams to create an environment that is both efficient and relaxing.
People differ about which of the six main structures at the city are the most interesting, but the Principe Felipe Science Museum is certainly the most photographed. Stretching out for the length of several football fields along a glistening blue man-made pool, the science museum resembles the skeleton of a beached whale. Inside there is an interactive museum spread out over five floors which is designed to encourage both children and adults to explore and participate in scientific inquiries. The museum often hosts temporary exhibits on topics as well as cultural events. Another avant garde structure in the city is the cultural center which houses a wide variety of artistic and musical events on a huge open-air stage. It is designed with flexible structures and screens so that everything from a Broadway musical to an opera or pop concert to ballet can be presented there.
Just when you thought this building was unusual, you spot the Hemispheric which houses an IMAX theater, a planetarium and a laserium in a single building. Shaped like a human eye, the interior of the building contains a 900 square meter movie screen. The final three buildings in the city are the Oceanographic which is an aquarium containing nine different underwater ecosystems and houses more than 500 marine species; the Agora which is a multi-purpose convention type building for meetings and exhibitions; and the Outdoor Club, a tropical garden surrounded by art exhibits, which also serves as a summertime night club.
Interesting facts - The City has been used as a backdrop for many other films too including Dr Who and Tomorrowland. The Agora was formerly used as a tennis center for international tournaments.
How to Get Here – Valencia is a major city on the coast of Spain that can be reached from Barcelona or from Madrid on the high-speed rail system in less than three hours. There are no direct flights to Valencia from the United States, but Iberian Air and other regional carriers fly there from Madrid and European hubs.
When to Go - Valencia has some of the best weather in Spain with mild winters, few rainy days and lower temperatures in the summer than the oppressive conditions found in the interior of the country.
Cost - There is no cost to enter the grounds of the city which is worth a visit. Once there, entrance to the Science Museum and the Hemispheric cost about $10 each and the Oceanographic costs about $35. A combined ticket for all three attractions is valid for several days and costs about $40 per person.
