L'Hemisfèric Building, Valencia

Arts Venue, Attraction and Notable Building in Valencia

L’Hemisfèric Building
L’Hemisfèric Building

L'Hemisfèric is the eye-catching, eye-shaped cinema and planetarium at Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences, set over a shallow reflecting pool in the modern Quatre Carreres district. Even if you don't go inside, it's one of the most photographed pieces of contemporary architecture in the city, especially when the “eyelids” and glass ribs mirror in the water.

It's also a fun stop to weave into a self-guided walking tour of the City of Arts and Sciences: start at the Umbracle promenade, loop past the Museu de les Ciències and the Palau de les Arts, and finish around golden hour at the pool edges for the best angles. If you do want the full experience, time your visit around a scheduled IMAX dome film or planetarium session.

History and Significance of the L’Hemisfèric Building

L'Hemisfèric was the first building to open to the public within the City of Arts and Sciences complex, helping establish the area as Valencia's modern cultural showpiece. Designed in a bold, futuristic style, it quickly became a symbol of the city's late-20th-century architectural ambition.

The building’s “giant eye” concept is more than a visual gimmick: the surrounding water and curved forms are designed to amplify reflections and create a sense of motion and drama as you walk around it. It’s one of those places where architecture is the attraction, even before you buy a ticket.

Inside, the venue's significance comes from its role as a science-and-education gateway: large-format dome cinema and planetarium-style programming that rotates through nature, space, and technology themes. For many visitors, it's their most memorable “modern Valencia” moment.

Things to See and Do in the L’Hemisfèric Building

First, treat the exterior as a mini photo mission. Walk the perimeter of the pool to see how the building changes shape from different angles, then step back toward the bridges and pathways around the complex for wide shots that include the water, sky, and surrounding landmarks.

The main reason to go inside is the dome-screen experience. The best sessions feel truly immersive, with visuals that wrap above and around you; it’s especially strong for space and ocean-themed shows. If you’re sensitive to motion, choose seats a bit farther back rather than very close to the front.

If you're planning a bigger day at the City of Arts and Sciences, L'Hemisfèric pairs well with the Science Museum or Oceanogràfic. Many travelers like booking a combo ticket and building their day around a specific showtime so the rest of the schedule falls into place.

How to Get to the L’Hemisfèric Building

The nearest airports are Valencia Airport (VLC) for the fastest arrival, with Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC) as a common alternative if you're combining cities on a longer Spain trip. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Valencia on Booking.com.

Valencia is well connected by rail, and arriving at Estació del Nord or Joaquín Sorolla makes it easy to continue by taxi, bus, or metro connections toward the City of Arts and Sciences area. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you're traveling by car, aim for parking associated with the City of Arts and Sciences and plan extra time during weekends and festival periods. 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.

Practical Tips on Visiting the L’Hemisfèric Building

  • Official website: https://cac.es/en/
  • Entrance fee: Check official website.
  • Opening hours: Daily: 10:00–19:00.
  • Best time to visit: Go on a weekday and aim for the first sessions of the day for a calmer entry and easier seating. For photos, come again near sunset when the reflections and lighting are at their best.
  • How long to spend: Budget 60–90 minutes for one show plus arrival and seating. If you’re combining venues in the complex, plan your day around your chosen showtime.
  • Accessibility: Step-free routes around the complex make the exterior easy to enjoy, and the venue provides lift access for visitors with reduced mobility (ask staff on arrival). If you need assisted seating, book early and confirm options when selecting your session.
  • Facilities: Expect restrooms on-site and casual food options within the complex; there are also self-service ticket points. Bring a light layer if you’re sensitive to cool indoor temperatures during screenings.

Where to Stay Close to the L’Hemisfèric Building

Base yourself in central Valencia (Ciutat Vella or Eixample) for the best balance of sightseeing, dining, and easy transport to the City of Arts and Sciences.

Barceló Valencia A strong pick for proximity: you can reach L'Hemisfèric quickly, and it's convenient for early showtimes without sacrificing comfort.

Ilunion Aqua 4 Great for practical travelers who want a modern stay near shopping and straightforward connections to the complex.

NH Valencia Las Artes A reliable mid-range option that keeps you close to the City of Arts and Sciences, ideal if this area is the main focus of your trip.

Caro Hotel A boutique choice in the historic center for travelers who want character and design, then day-trip out to modern Valencia sights.

Only YOU Hotel Valencia Perfect if you want a stylish, central base with a lively food-and-walkability scene, while still being a quick taxi ride from L'Hemisfèric.

Is the L’Hemisfèric Building Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you're already planning time at the City of Arts and Sciences. The architecture is genuinely iconic, and a well-chosen dome or planetarium session can be one of the most immersive “only in Valencia” experiences you'll have.

Honest Pivot: if you’re short on time or picky about film formats, you may want to skip the screening and enjoy the exterior only. Some visitors feel certain shows don’t fully use the dome’s potential, and audio/translation setups can affect the experience—so it’s worth choosing your session carefully.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.0 (4,899)

Overall, reviews point to a solid, memorable visit driven by the striking futuristic architecture and the immersive feel of the dome screenings. Travelers commonly praise the planetarium/IMAX-style shows for strong visuals and an educational, curiosity-sparking vibe, and many recommend checking showtimes in advance and considering combo tickets for better value. The most frequent downsides are inconsistent show quality (some feel certain films don’t fully use the dome format) and frustration with audio/headset setups, including volume and translation issues.

Costin-Alexandru Marinoiu
3 weeks ago
"Visiting L’Hemisfèric was a really enjoyable and unique experience for me. The building itself immediately stands out with its futuristic design, andstepping inside felt like entering a space dedicated entirely to curiosity and learning. I watched a show in the IMAX dome, and the immersive screen and sound made it far more engaging than a regular cinema. The experience was both entertaining and informative, and I appreciated how well organized everything was. It’s a great complement to the rest of the City of Arts and Sciences and works well for all ages. I would definitely recommend including L’Hemisfèric in your visit, especially if you enjoy science, space, or visually impressive presentations...."
Szymon Bartnik
a month ago
"Building beautiful from outside but Leonardo show was a normal, rectangular, boring (that’s not how you make people interested about such a genius)spoken movie I wish I watched at home on my small TV. What’s the purpose of translation headphones when the Spanish voices are embedded in the main video and I have to fight by voluming up to max (disturbing Spanish viewers who don’t wear the headphones because what’s the point?) to be able to hear the English translation? Big disappointment. Such modern and beautiful building. Such a waste...."
Alexandre Contreras
4 months ago
"Great experience but the audio headsets are extremely messy. They are WAY too loud - you'll hear the film's voice, your own headset AND everyoneelse's around you! They need to change this - it hinders the experience. The structure is worth seeing...."

For Different Travelers

L'Hemisfèric works best when you match the visit to your travel style: architecture lovers can treat it as a photo stop, while experience-seekers can plan around a specific show. Because it's session-based, a little planning goes a long way.

Families with Kids

Kids usually love the “spaceship” feel of the building and the big-screen spectacle, especially for space and nature themes. It’s a good way to add an educational win to a day that might also include the aquarium.

To keep it smooth, pick a showtime that fits your child’s attention span and avoid very front-row seating. Pairing one screening with outdoor time around the pools helps balance energy levels.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the best part can be the setting: water reflections, sleek bridges, and sunset light make this one of Valencia’s most cinematic strolls. It’s an easy add-on to a modern-architecture date.

Choose a later session if available, then linger outside for photos and a walk through the surrounding complex. It’s a low-effort, high-impact stop that feels different from the old-town vibe.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers can get a lot out of L'Hemisfèric without spending much by focusing on the exterior and the wider City of Arts and Sciences walk. The area is visually impressive and rewards slow wandering.

If you do buy a ticket, consider whether a combo pass makes sense for your day plan. Booking ahead can also help you avoid wasting time on sold-out sessions.

FAQs for Visiting L’Hemisfèric Building

Getting There

It’s a longer walk but doable if you enjoy urban strolling, especially via the Turia Gardens route. Many visitors prefer a quick bus or taxi to save time for the complex itself.
Use Avenida del Professor López Piñero, 3, 46013 València for the City of Arts and Sciences location. That will place you right by the venue.
Yes, it’s one of the most pleasant ways to approach the complex on foot. The gardens also give you a scenic break between neighborhoods.

Tickets & Entry

It’s strongly recommended in busy periods because seating is limited per session. Booking ahead also helps you lock in a specific showtime.
Typically, a ticket is for one session, so choose your film or planetarium show carefully. If you want more than one, plan for separate sessions or a combo option.
They can be great value if you’re also visiting the Science Museum or Oceanogràfic the same day. If you only want one screening, a single ticket is simpler.

Visiting Experience

Many people find mid-to-back seating more comfortable for dome visuals and neck angle. Sitting too close can feel overwhelming for some viewers.
Language options depend on the specific session and day, so check the session details before purchasing. If headsets are offered, confirm how they work for your show.
Yes, the exterior is a highlight on its own and one of Valencia’s signature photo spots. You can enjoy the architecture and reflections without entering.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, many City of Arts and Sciences itineraries include an exterior stop here. For the interior, you’ll still need to align with scheduled sessions.
Start with a morning show, then walk the complex and add either the Science Museum or Oceanogràfic depending on your interests. Finish with photos around the pools.
It can be, because the main experience is indoors once you’re inside. Just allow time to move between buildings under cover where possible.

Photography

Late afternoon into sunset is ideal for reflections and softer light. Early morning can also be great for fewer people in your shots.
Walk the pool edges for symmetry shots, then step back toward bridges and open plazas for wider compositions. Try multiple angles because the building changes dramatically as you move.
Tripod rules can vary by venue and time, especially indoors. If you plan serious photography, check policies before your visit.

Accessibility & Facilities

Yes, there are restrooms including options for visitors with reduced mobility. Ask staff if you want the closest facilities to your seating area.
Yes, lift access is available for visitors with reduced mobility, typically coordinated with staff assistance. Arrive a bit early to get oriented.
Storage availability can vary by day and security rules. Travel light if you can, especially if you’re combining multiple venues.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, there are casual options within the complex, making it easy to grab a quick meal between venues. It’s convenient if you’re on a tight schedule.
Eating after can be less rushed, since you won’t be watching the clock before entry. If you’re doing a full-day combo visit, plan one longer break midday.
For more variety, head toward Eixample/Ruzafa or central Valencia after your visit. You’ll find more local restaurants than in the immediate complex.

Safety & Timing

Arriving 15–20 minutes early is a good buffer for ticket checks and finding seats. It also helps if you need assistance or have questions about language options.
The City of Arts and Sciences is generally well-trafficked, especially around events and peak seasons. As in any city, keep an eye on belongings and stick to well-lit routes.
Yes, especially if you treat it as a single show plus a photo stop. If you’re adding the aquarium or museum too, it becomes more of a full-day commitment.

Nearby Attractions to the L’Hemisfèric Building

The L'Hemisfèric Building appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valencia!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Daily: 10:00-19:00.

Price:

Check official website.

Address: Av. del Professor López Piñero, 3, Quatre Carreres, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain
Valencia: 5 km
Telephone: +34 961 97 46 86
Official Website

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