Visiting the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía
The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía is an opera house located within the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain. Inaugurated on October 9, 2005, it hosts performances spanning four specific artistic forms: opera, music, ballet, and theater. Standing 75 meters tall with its complex, interlocking platforms, the building designed by architect Santiago Calatrava Valls resembles a massive seashell. The roof is topped by a large metal structure that looks like a feather.
A symbolic urban and cultural project in Valencia
The City of Arts and Sciences project began in the late 1980s when Joan Lerma, the president of the autonomous community, launched the concept and selected local architect Santiago Calatrava Valls to bring it to life. The complex is situated on the former bed of the Turia river, which was diverted following several devastating floods in Valencia.
Today, the area consists of a wide green corridor featuring a mix of 11,000 square meters of water basins and 60,000 square meters of gardens and buildings with futuristic designs. The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía shares the space with a planetarium, the Hemisfèric, an aquarium, the Oceanogràfic, and the Prince Felipe Science Museum.
The opera house of Valencia
The interior of the Palau is divided into several halls. The main hall, dedicated to grand opera performances and concerts, can accommodate up to 1,400 guests. An auditorium has a capacity of nearly 1,500 people. The Sala Martín i Soler hosts experimental theater and exhibitions, while the 400-seat Sala Magistral is reserved for smaller musical groups, congresses, or conferences.
The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía also serves as the headquarters for the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana, led by conductor Roberto Abbado.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
If you are passing through Valencia, take the opportunity to book an opera performance. You will be able to discover a very large auditorium in a place that is unique in terms of its architecture. Of course, book in advance while planning your trip. You can also book a guided tour if you want to discover the building from a different perspective.