The Spanish city of Valencia has long been known as the city of architecture, science, art and culture, and one of the most brilliant jewels in the crown is the L’Hemisferic. This one of the newer museums in the city, created by Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava. Calatrava is known for his innovative designs, and this one is truly a masterpiece. It is the convergence of contemporary and modern forms, of Science and Culture, all within the same walls. This structure is unique. The building is in the shape of an eye that appears to be floating, above a pond of water. The eyeball blinks from time to time, through the ingenious structuring of hydraulics. When one enters the building through the front doors, one is walking under the eyelid.

Calatrava created this symbolic image, which is the eye of learning and wisdom. This is an interesting and fantastic attraction, located conveniently close to the many Valencia hotels, and offers those traveling with children a variety of options that will intrigue and delight the minds of all ages. It is so different from some of the stuffier more old fashioned science museums, that the kids are just waiting to go and to learn, through many of the interactive displays and exhibits.

Located within L’Hemisferic there is a Museum of Science, the Omnimax Theater, an Oceanographic Center and Aquarium and the Palacio de las Artes, a very fine museum and gallery. As with all Omnimax theaters, this one is shaped like a globe, however what is fantastic about this one is that it is set inside and eyeball, with vaults, staircases and aluminum arches surrounding glass windows and panels, translucent and the eyeball seems to be at some times. And, again, the theater is equipped with state of the art projectors and sound systems. The shows offered change regularly and are always on subjects of interest to many. More travelers are visiting Valencia, with the express purpose of visiting L’Hemisferic, finding not only the building, but all that the building contains, to be quite remarkable and fantastic.