Calatrava's white bones — an entire district of structural zoomorphism
Cultural complex in the city of Valencia, Spain.
Featured in Santiago Calatrava's definitive monograph, Santiago Calatrava: Complete Works.
Visitor Guide
Rent a bicycle and ride through the entire complex. Each building reads as a skeletal organism — the Hemisféric is an eye, the Palau de les Arts is a helmet, L'Àgora is a blue crystal. Sunset turns the reflecting pools into mirrors.
The Hemisféric reflected in its pool at dusk — the "eye" opens and the reflection completes the circle. The Palau de les Arts from the north end, framed by water.
Individual buildings ticketed separately; combo tickets available. The public spaces and reflecting pools are free 24/7. Full day needed for everything.
Calatrava designed the complex for his hometown and it's by far his largest single project. The reflecting pools aren't just aesthetic — they cool the buildings and the surrounding microclimate by several degrees.
4-6 hours (full complex)
Design & Structure
Each building derives from Calatrava's structural-zoomorphic language: forms inspired by skeletons, eyes, and organic armatures, then engineered as efficient shell structures. The concrete shells were cast in custom formwork derived from parabolic and catenary curves.
White concrete, steel, glass, blue tile mosaic (Palau de les Arts). The consistent white palette unifies the complex while the water provides the color — sky reflections turn the pools a different hue every hour.
More by Santiago Calatrava
View all →
Bilbao Airport
Athens Olympic Sports Complex
Montjuïc Communications Tower
Brookfield Place (Toronto)
Lyon-Saint-Exupéry TGV station
Llonja de Sant Jordi
Nearby in Valencia
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed City of Arts and Sciences?+
City of Arts and Sciences was designed by Santiago Calatrava and completed in 1998. It is located in Valencia, Spain.
Where is City of Arts and Sciences located?+
City of Arts and Sciences is located in Valencia, Spain. Its coordinates are 39.4545°, -0.3504°.
When was City of Arts and Sciences built?+
City of Arts and Sciences was completed in 1998. It was designed by Santiago Calatrava.
Can I visit City of Arts and Sciences?+
City of Arts and Sciences is a real building in Valencia that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.