Casa de las Ciencias, Logroño

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Zarateman

Casa de las Ciencias is where Logroño swaps wine glasses for test tubes. Housed in the city's former Municipal Slaughterhouse, this red-and-white brick building sits right beside the River Ebro, between the iron bridge and the stone bridge, just a short stroll from the Old Town. From the outside it looks like a compact little palace watching over the riverbank; inside, it's packed with changing exhibitions, models, experiments, and activities designed to make science feel fun and approachable. It's an especially good stop if you're travelling with kids, but plenty of adults get drawn into the hands-on displays too.

Because it sits just across the river from the historic centre, Casa de las Ciencias is easy to weave into a day of sightseeing. You can wander over one of the bridges, spend an hour or two exploring the exhibits, then continue along the riverfront paths or head back to Calle Laurel for pinchos. With its mix of interactive galleries and the outdoor Garden of Sciences, it's one of the top attractions in Logroño for anyone who likes learning by doing, and it's often visited on walking tours of Logroño that link together the riverfront and Old Town.

History and Significance of Casa de las Ciencias

Casa de las Ciencias occupies a building with a very different original purpose: the city's Municipal Slaughterhouse. Rather than demolish it, Logroño chose to preserve and repurpose the structure, turning an industrial facility into a bright and engaging cultural space. The result is a striking red-and-white façade with a slightly eclectic, historic feel, standing out sharply against the blue of the Ebro and the greenery of the riverbank.

Transforming the slaughterhouse into the House of Sciences is part of a wider trend in European cities: reclaiming former industrial spaces and turning them into museums, galleries, and cultural hubs. In Logroño’s case, the decision to dedicate the building to science has paid off particularly well, giving local schools, families, and visitors a place where physics, geology, biology, and more can be explored through touch as well as text.

Today, Casa de las Ciencias plays an important role in the city's educational and cultural life. Rotating exhibitions keep things fresh, covering topics from the human body to space, energy, and ecology, while regular workshops and activities help spark curiosity in younger visitors. By placing all this in an accessible, riverside location, the city has created one of the must-see places in Logroño for anyone interested in how science fits into everyday life.

Things to See and Do in Casa de las Ciencias

Inside the House of Sciences, the main exhibition spaces are organised around temporary and semi-permanent displays. These change regularly, but you can expect a mix of interactive modules, models, and information panels that encourage visitors to press buttons, turn wheels, and test ideas rather than just read about them. It’s the kind of place where children are gently nudged to ask “why?” and “how?” at every turn, and where adults often find themselves experimenting right alongside them.

The weekly workshops are a big draw for families. These sessions, usually held at set times, might involve simple experiments, craft-style projects with a scientific twist, or themed activities tied to the current exhibition. They are designed to make science tangible without feeling like a classroom, and they’re a great way to give kids a break from more traditional sightseeing. If you know your dates ahead of time, it’s worth checking the schedule so you can time your visit to fit a workshop slot.

Outside, the Garden of Sciences extends the experience into the open air. Here, interactive installations explore topics such as physics, geology, palaeontology, and meteorology. You might find devices that demonstrate forces and motion, models that explain rock layers and fossils, or simple weather-related experiments. It’s a relaxed space where children can run around a bit while still engaging with the exhibits, and where the combination of river views and playful learning makes you forget you’re only a few minutes from the city centre.

How to Get to Casa de las Ciencias

Casa de las Ciencias is located on the north bank of the River Ebro, just across from the Old Town of Logroño, between the iron bridge (Puente de Hierro) and the stone bridge (Puente de Piedra. From the historic centre, it's an easy walk across either bridge, following signs or simply heading for the red-and-white building by the river.

If you are arriving in the region by air, you may land at Logroño-Agoncillo Airport or at larger airports such as Bilbao or Zaragoza before travelling on to Logroño by road or public transport. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Logroño on Booking.com. From central Logroño, Casa de las Ciencias is close enough to reach on foot from most hotels in or near the Old Town.

Train travellers will arrive at Logroño's main railway station, which has regular services from Madrid, Zaragoza, and other northern Spanish cities.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. From the station, you can walk into the centre and then continue down to the river and across one of the bridges, or take a short bus or taxi ride to the Old Town and stroll from there.

If you are driving, major roads and motorways connect Logroño with nearby cities such as Burgos, Zaragoza, and Bilbao.If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. Park in one of the public car parks near the Old Town or along the riverfront, then walk across to the Casa de las Ciencias; its riverside position and distinctive colours make it easy to spot.

Practical Tips on Visiting Casa de las Ciencias

• Suggested tips: Check in advance if any special workshops or temporary exhibitions are running during your stay, especially if you’re visiting with children.
• Best time to visit: Late morning or mid-afternoon often work well, leaving evenings free for strolling the Old Town and enjoying pinchos.
• Entrance fee: Free
• Opening hours: Winter hours: Tuesday to Friday: from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: from 11 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 8:30 pm. Every Monday and January 1 and 6 and December 25: closed.
  Summer Hours: (July and August) From Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Every Monday: closed.
• Official website: http://www.xn--logroo-0wa.es/wps/portal/web/inicio/unidadesMunicipales/casaDeLasCiencias/
• How long to spend: Plan 1-2 hours for the exhibitions and Garden of Sciences; longer if your children get hooked on the interactive displays or a workshop.
• Accessibility: The centre is generally accessible, but as with any adapted historic building, some areas may have ramps or lifts; ask at reception if you have specific mobility needs.
• Facilities: Expect a reception area, restrooms, and possibly small information or reading corners; cafés and bars are a short walk away across the bridges or along the riverfront.
• Photography tip: Capture the building’s red-and-white façade from the opposite bank or bridge, then look for playful moments in the Garden of Sciences where visitors interact with the outdoor exhibits.
• Guided tours: On some occasions, the centre may offer guided visits or special events; otherwise, the exhibitions are designed for self-guided exploration with clear explanations.
• Nearby food options: Head back across the river to the Old Town for cafés, bakeries, and bars, or follow the riverside paths toward Puente de Piedra before diving into Calle Laurel for classic Logroño pinchos.

Where to Stay close to Casa de las Ciencias

Staying in the Old Town or near the riverfront makes it easy to walk to Casa de las Ciencias while keeping all of Logroño's main sights within reach. For a stylish base in a beautifully restored historic building, Hotel Calle Mayor offers boutique comfort just a pleasant stroll from the bridges and river. If you prefer a modern hotel with good access to both the historic centre and shopping streets, NH Logroño Herencia Rioja is a convenient choice. For a practical, central option close to many of Logroño’s highlights, Hotel Condes de Haro places you within easy walking distance of the Old Town, the Ebro, and the Casa de las Ciencias.

Add a Is Casa de las Ciencias Worth Visiting?

Casa de las Ciencias is definitely worth visiting, especially if you're travelling with children or simply enjoy interactive museums. Its riverside location, distinctive red-and-white building, and mix of indoor exhibitions and outdoor experiments make it feel light and engaging rather than overwhelming. In a city best known for wine and historic churches, this science centre adds a refreshing change of pace and shows another side of Logroño's cultural life, making it one of the things to do in Logroño that appeals across generations.

FAQs for Visiting Casa de las Ciencias

Is Casa de las Ciencias suitable for very young children?
Yes, many exhibits are hands-on and visually engaging, though younger kids will get the most from them with adult help and supervision.

Do I need to book workshops in advance?
For popular weekend or holiday workshops, advance registration is often recommended; check the current programme and booking requirements locally.

How long should I plan for a visit?
Most families find 1-2 hours enough to see the exhibitions and enjoy the Garden of Sciences without rushing.

Is there information available in languages other than Spanish?
Some exhibits may include basic information in other languages or use universal visual explanations; it’s worth asking at reception for any leaflets or summaries.

Can I combine a visit with other nearby sights?
Absolutely-Casa de las Ciencias is close to Puente de Piedra and Puente de Hierro, so it fits easily into a riverside walk combined with the Old Town and pinchos streets.

Nearby Attractions to Casa de las Ciencias

• Puente de Piedra - Logroño's historic stone bridge and traditional Camino de Santiago gateway, just a short walk along the river.
• Puente de Hierro - The iron bridge over the Ebro, offering alternative views of the river and cityscape.
• Parque del Ebro - Riverside park with walking and cycling paths, perfect for a relaxed stroll before or after your museum visit.
• Catedral de Santa María de la Redonda - Co-cathedral with iconic twin towers, located in the nearby Old Town.
• Museo de La Rioja - Regional museum in the Palacio de Espartero, tracing the history of La Rioja from prehistory to the 19th century.

The Casa de las Ciencias appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Logroño!

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Nearby Attractions

• Puente de Hierro (0.1) km
  Bridge
• Puente de Piedra (0.2) km
  Bridge
• Iglesia de San Bartolomé (0.5) km
  Church
• Old Logroño City Hall (Plaza del Mercado) (0.5) km
  Notable Building and Square
• Catedral de Santa María de la Redonda (0.5) km
  Cathedral
• Muralla del Revellín (0.6) km
  City Gate and City Walls
• Fabrica de Tabacos (0.6) km
  Historic Building
• Museo de la Rioja (0.6) km
  Museum
• Calle Laurel (0.7) km
  Street
• New Logroño City Hall (0.7) km
  Notable Building