Hemisfèric
Santiago Calatrava's architectural 'eye of wisdom' housing an IMAX & 3D cinema, offering budget-friendly cinematic experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better seats
Hemisfèric
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better seats
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Santiago Calatrava's architectural 'eye of wisdom' housing an IMAX & 3D cinema, offering budget-friendly cinematic experiences.
"It's a beautiful architectural building. Worth of visiting. (Because of that still 2 stars)"
🎯 Book Seats in Advance
Arrive early or book ahead to snag the best seats, especially in the back for comfort. :ticket:
👂 Consider Headset Quality
If you need subtitles, be aware that headset quality can vary. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Giant Human Eye
Exterior
Marvel at Santiago Calatrava's architectural masterpiece, symbolizing wisdom and observation.
IMAX & 3D Cinema Experience
Interior
Immerse yourself in stunning visuals on the dome screen with unique IMAX and 3D film showings.
Amazon Adventure Film
Cinema
Explore the wonders of the Amazon rainforest through a captivating cinematic journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Eye of Wisdom
Beyond the Architecture: Manage Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Seats in Advance
Arrive early or book ahead to snag the best seats, especially in the back for comfort. :ticket:
👂 Consider Headset Quality
If you need subtitles, be aware that headset quality can vary. :iphone:
Solo tripping to Valencia
Is it worth going into the city of arts and science museum?
🚶♂️ Admire the Architecture
Even if not watching a film, the building's design is a must-see. :camerawithflash:
💰 Budget-Friendly Option
It's an affordable way to experience the City of Arts and Sciences. :euro:
Is tourist card worth it ?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Seats in Advance
Arrive early or book ahead to snag the best seats, especially in the back for comfort. :ticket:
👂 Consider Headset Quality
If you need subtitles, be aware that headset quality can vary. :iphone:
🚶♂️ Admire the Architecture
Even if not watching a film, the building's design is a must-see. :camerawithflash:
💰 Budget-Friendly Option
It's an affordable way to experience the City of Arts and Sciences. :euro:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Hemisfèric is praised for its stunning Santiago Calatrava architecture, offering a visually impressive exterior. While the IMAX and 3D cinema experience is budget-friendly, some visitors find the film quality, audio, and seating comfort to be less than ideal, leading to mixed reviews on the cinematic aspect.
"The good- Omnimax presentation was spotless. No dust and no scratches! Light output excellent. The bad: dome screen ruined by 4 missing panels on the left and right side. The aerials didn’t quite have the same effect. Audio was a bit quiet- only heard front speakers."
Marco Markovich
"Felt like a cheaper tourist trap honestly. The cinema quality is lower than most.
It costs very little tho, so you can scrap it off you checklist for no much.
We saw the auroras one and it was not much of a thing, although it was a nice way to learn.
It was really fast to enter and not crowded."
Leonardo T
"WASTE OF MONEY - At least for movie about Amazone.
First start with the positive. It's a beautiful architectural building. Worth of visiting. (Because of that still 2 stars)
Now for the rest. The function as movie theatre
Firstly you get 70's model earphones. Very heavy, uncomfortable and bad sound quality. I took them of after 5 min.
The movie about the Amazon was absolutely not suited for 3D/IMAX. Picture was stretched, bended and very low resolution. Like you're watching 720p on a 4K screen. Also the image was way out of focus and not sharp.
The movie itself had a bad script with the worse acting.
Also the movie was originally in English but dubbed in Spanish. No issue if they had isolated the voice stream and moved it to the headset. But the Spanish was coming from the speakers and the English on the headset was completely overshadowed and impossible to follow. Like someone is speaking Spanish in one and English in the other ear.
So tip for the theatre.
1. Invest on modern over the ear lightweight headsets
2. Isolate the voice stream from the test of the sound and play it solely on the headset, or don't play the sound in the theatre at all and only play on the headset.
3. Only play movies that are suited for 3D/IMAX.
Perhaps other movies are better and also when you're Spanish and you don't need the headset, it's better, but I only had this time to base my experience upon."
Nick B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hemisfèric is located within the City of Arts and Sciences. You can reach it by bus (lines 95, 1, 2, 13, 35, 94) or by metro to Alameda station, followed by a pleasant walk or a short bus ride. Many visitors also opt for taxis or ride-sharing services for direct access.
Yes, there is underground parking available at the City of Arts and Sciences complex. However, it can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays. Consider public transport if you want to avoid parking hassles.
It's a bit of a walk, approximately 30-40 minutes from the city center. It's a scenic route along the Turia Gardens, so many visitors enjoy the stroll.
Bus lines 95, 1, 2, 13, 35, and 94 all stop near the City of Arts and Sciences. The nearest metro station is Alameda, from where you can take a short bus ride or walk.
The Hemisfèric and the City of Arts and Sciences complex are generally accessible. Ramps and elevators are available, and staff can assist with any specific needs. It's always a good idea to contact them in advance for any special requirements.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Hemisfèric tickets online through the official City of Arts and Sciences website, or at the ticket office on-site. Booking online in advance is recommended to secure your preferred showtime and avoid queues.
Ticket prices are quite affordable, often around 6 euros, making it a budget-friendly attraction. Check the official website for the most current pricing and any potential package deals.
The Hemisfèric shows a variety of IMAX and 3D films, often focusing on science, nature, and space. You can find the current Hemisfèric program and showtimes on the official City of Arts and Sciences website.
Yes, the Amazon Adventure is a popular film shown at the Hemisfèric. Tickets can be purchased through the official channels, but be aware that some reviews suggest the film's quality might not meet high IMAX expectations.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. It's best to check the official website or inquire at the ticket office for any applicable concessions.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
Inside, the Hemisfèric features a large dome screen for IMAX and 3D films. The experience can be immersive, though some visitors have noted issues with screen quality, audio, or comfort of the seating and headsets.
The Hemisfèric typically screens educational and documentary films in IMAX and 3D formats. Topics often include nature, science, space exploration, and cultural journeys like the Amazon.
Many films are suitable for children and can be educational. However, some films might be too intense or complex for very young children. Check film ratings and descriptions beforehand.
The cinema has tiered seating to provide good views of the dome screen. Some visitors recommend sitting in the back rows for better comfort and to avoid looking up too much. Arriving early can help secure preferred seats.
Photography and videography are generally not permitted during the film screenings to avoid disturbing other viewers and for copyright reasons. However, you can take photos of the stunning exterior architecture.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there might be limited snack options available, the Hemisfèric is primarily a cinema and not a dining venue. It's advisable to eat before or after your visit.
The City of Arts and Sciences complex has several cafes and restaurants. Additionally, there are more dining options in the surrounding areas of Valencia, accessible by a short walk or public transport.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the cinema auditoriums. It's best to consume them before entering the screening area.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire exterior of the Hemisfèric is incredibly photogenic. The surrounding areas of the City of Arts and Sciences, especially the Turia Gardens, offer great vantage points to capture its unique 'eye' design.
While photography is restricted during shows, the lobby and architectural elements inside can be photographed. The dome screen itself is impressive, but capturing its full effect can be challenging.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for exterior shots. Midday can also be good for capturing the stark architectural lines against a clear blue sky.
Try capturing it from across the water for a reflection shot, or from slightly elevated positions in the surrounding gardens to get a sense of its scale.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Arrive early to get comfortable seating, especially if you have young children who might need more space. Check the film's suitability for your children's age group beforehand, as some documentaries might be too complex or intense. The affordable ticket price makes it a good option for a budget-friendly family activity.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tips for budget travelers: Combine your visit with exploring the rest of the City of Arts and Sciences complex on foot, which is free. Pack your own snacks and water to save on potential on-site purchases. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel of Santiago Calatrava
The building is part of the larger City of Arts and Sciences complex, a futuristic vision that has become a symbol of Valencia. Calatrava's signature style, characterized by fluid lines and organic forms, is evident throughout the Hemisfèric, making it a landmark for both architectural enthusiasts and casual visitors. The way the structure reflects in the surrounding water adds to its dramatic visual appeal.
Visitors often praise the building's exterior, with many considering it a must-see even if they don't plan to watch a film. The sheer scale and innovative design make it a popular subject for photography, capturing the essence of contemporary Valencian design.
Navigating the Cinema Experience
For those who rely on subtitles, the audio experience can be particularly important. Some visitors have reported that dubbed Spanish audio from speakers can overshadow the English audio provided through headsets, making it difficult to follow. The comfort and quality of the provided headsets have also been a point of contention for some.
To maximize your enjoyment, it's recommended to research the specific film you plan to see and consider sitting in the back rows for a more comfortable viewing angle. Arriving a bit early can help you secure better seats. Despite some criticisms, the low ticket price makes it an accessible way to experience a large-format cinema.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit