|
Museo Príncipe Felipe, Ciudad de las Artes, Valencia, Spain
The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is a major centre for culture and entertainment promoted by the Generalitat Valenciana Regional Authority and has become an internationally recognised symbol confirming the Valencian Region's investment in and commitment to cultural tourism. A centre dedicated to culture and entertainment whose architecture combined with a fun and novel approach to discovering the arts and sciences is attracting millions of visitors from both home and abroad.
Along an axis of nearly two kilometres situated in the dry bed of the River Turia, the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias has a total surface area of 350,000 square metres and features wide-open spaces dedicated to a fundamental concept creating a centre for culture, leisure and entertainment in Valencia which is unparalleled anywhere in Europe.
One of the most notable features of the complex is its architecture and the contribution of two Spanish architects of international renown who have created this master work: Santiago Calatrava, who has designed the Palau de les Arts, L'Hemisfèric, Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe and L'Umbracle; and the late Félix Candela, whose magnificent roofs grace the tops of L'Oceanogràfic's main buildings. All in all, an architectural wonder of exceptional beauty that harmonically unites its exterior grandeur and the contents within, where the sea and sky of the Mediterranean are surprisingly in concordance with this most remarkable of places.
The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is located in the city of Valencia, on Spain's eastern, Mediterranean coast just minutes from the historical city centre. Its construction culminates the transformation of a segment of what was once the old bed of the River Turia. Following a catastrophic flood in 1957, the river was diverted to the southern part of the city and in the dry bed that remained a magnificent urban park-ten kilometres in all-was constructed that runs through the city and is home to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.
The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias has transformed Valencia into a first-rate tourist destination while at the same time making it a world-class centre for conventions, congresses and international activities. Millions of visitors each year are testimony to the success of how this has become an excellent addition to traditional sea, sun and sand tourism characterised by the Valencian Community.
This centre for promoting science and culture also reflects the vital economic, urban and social development in Valencia over the past few years. An age-old city uniting a rich and valuable cultural and historical patrimony in landmarks such as La Lonja (traders' market), the Quart and Serrano Towers, Cathedral, Palace of the Marques de Dos Aguas and the modernist Central Market and the North Terminal.
The maritime promenade of the Malvarrosa, Sir Norman Foster's convention centre, and the wide range of activities possible within the River Turia, make Valencia a city of endless possibilities. The IVAM (contemporary art museum), San Pío V Museum of Fine Arts, and the Palau de la Música also add to making this Mediterranean city open to the world.
Recently, Valencia has been selected as the host city of the 2007 America's Cup, which is promoting a massive rehabilitation of the entire maritime area as well as serving to accelerate the expansion of infrastructures and services.
Finally, Valencia is a city where the sun, sea, people, culture, gastronomy and leisure unite in a most unique way, offering visitors an unparalleled and unforgettable stay in one of the world's most privileged destinations.
Science Museum of Valencia
The conference room has a capacity of 300 persons.
The picture has been taken at the front door of the Science Museum. The NH las Artes hotels are situated between the block of buildings, brown and white, in the background.
Situation map. Click for a higher resolution picture.
| 
