In the middle of the city of arts and sciences sits this huge globe. A mettalic eye that is…read moreactually an IMAX theater and projection space. One of Calatrava's more straightforward works, it's still a cool site to behold though it's a mostly glass and metal semi sphere.

Quality wise it is quite a good cinema but not better than the other ones I have been to. The…read moreservice is so so like other typical cinemas. However, I appreciate they've got movies in original languages with Spanish subtitles. There are only a few cinemas in Valencia (or I guess in the whole Spain) that show movies in original language. So if you want to watch any new movies in English (mostly), here is the place. Note that not every movie is in English though. So you've gotta check the schedule before you go.

Amazing films even in English! Would definitely recommend this for anyone that doesn't know…read moreSpanish! It's the best in Valencia!!!

It's ok, not specially good in my opinion, but you can do what you were aiming to do: Watch a movie.read more

From the owner: Cines Lys son los cines de Valencia por excelencia. Situados en el Paseo Ruzafa 3 (a pocos metros…read moredel Ayuntamiento) disponen de 14 amplias salas donde proyectan los mejores estrenos de cine. Los Cines Lys de Valencia cuentan con grandes ventajas como: - Tarifas socio con precio especial desde 5,5€ - 3 Horas de Parking gratis con la compra de tu entrada - Zona MiniLys donde poder dejar a tu hijo/a con nuestros monitores mientras tu disfrutas la película

Never been inside, but the architecture is amazing! It resembles a gladiator hat and honestly one…read moreof the buildings that you WILL see for sure if you're driving around the area. Palau de les Arts is actually an building for the arts where they perform Opera. Surprising eh? (wow, I'm so Canadian) You would expect something shaped like a Gladiator's hat to be a museum of History or even Sciences, but, it's for art. Also close to this area are the oceanographic and the science and art museum.

The most complex, intriguing, and beautiful building in the Ciudad is the Palau which houses four…read morearea for theater, opera, ballet, and concerts. Calatrava's largest masterpiece at first glance looks like an alien ship has just docked in the water. Spherical, plumed, and futuristic, it's a memento to the future of progressive architecture.

Beautiful architecture. Worth visiting for this alone. I happened to be visiting during a Leonardo…read moreDaVinci exhibit. Just incredible the breadth and depth they went into. Very informative. I really appreciate the cleanliness of the building, the attention to detail within each exhibit, and most notably, the interactive experiences. Each exhibit I visited had multiple interactive opportunities to help engage the audience. Great way to capture the attention of young and old alike; not just walking through looking and reading copious amounts of explanations on the art presented. One star off because some of the exhibits felt disjointed between one another, signage could be better.

Maaaaaaannnnnnn.....Chicago really lost out!!…read more The Chicago Spire, designed by Santiago Calatrava, was supposed to be erected as the tallest building in the USA. However, the efforts stalled and we were left with just a big hole in the ground. I mention that data point because the Cuidad de las Artes y las Sciences (City of Arts and Sciences) was designed by Santiago Calatrava. He also designed Milwaukee's Modern Art Museum (I've been there) and the Occulus (NYC - haven't been yet). His futuristic, modern and clean designs incorporates and draws inspiration from local plants, the skeletal features of a whale, the sails of a ship, etc., etc....His work is instantly recognizable - like Frank Gehry's, Art Deco, and on a smaller scale - Frank Lloyd Wright. And coming here to the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, which by way, this place puts Valencia on the map as a Do Not Miss city!! I understand that Rick Steves did not overly advertise this great city and on this rare occasion, I respectfully think he's mistaken to do so. My only regret is that we just did a walk-by and a few drive-bys to admire its Beautiful design and the distinct buildings which include an aquarium, planetarium, museum, etc. There are outdoor areas for enjoying artwork, foliage, architecture, paddle boarding, so on and so forth. And try to wrap your mind around this - it's part of a linear parkway that extends about 6.5 KM in one direction!! If you're training for a marathon or an avid runner, what a big plus to run through this area on a daily basis. I can only think of running from Giants park to Golden Gate Bridge, being more picturesque. Or the lake front jogging path from Addison St. to 15th street in Chicago. On a smaller scale, I do see Santiago being influenced by Gaudi, here and there, and it's because of his use of organic shapes and tiles. Overall, Plan to spend a day or two here and actually go inside the facilities, my drive-bys and walk-bys provided just a glimpse of this futuristic compound.....