Description
Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía
The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, the Queen Sofía Palace of Arts, is one of the largest opera houses in Europe. Located in Valencia, it is a part of the City of Arts and Sciences.
City of Arts and Sciences
The four large halls offer space for operas, musicals, ballet shows, theatre performances and concerts. Up to now, science, technique and nature were represented by the Hemisfèric (1998), the Príncipe Felipe Museum (2001), the Umbracle (2000) and the Oceanogràfic (2003). By building the opera house, the desire was realised to stimulate the connection between science and culture and also to make both accessible to the public.
Architecture
Architecturally, a league of its own, the construction itself is a highlight in any aspect imaginable. Without being a specific fan of the opera, due to its beautiful and stunning modern architectural style, it's definitely worth a visit as well as the surrounding green area and aqua park – even if it's just for a souvenir photo.
The building was designed by a son of the city, the architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava, and is famous beyond the borders of Spain.
Visiting the sight
The performances change seasonally. Tickets for specific performances should be booked online. We recommend you reserve as early as possible as the tickets are sought after. If you're unlucky and failed to snatch a ticket for the opera, don't despair, you'll still have the chance to visit the opera house inside, for instance, during a guided tour. These are offered daily from 11.30am to 1pm.
How to get there
The opera is sited in the city park, the former riverbed of the Turia.
By public transport
The cultural hub is best reachable by using the following bus lines provided by the EMT (Empresa Municipal de Transports de València): 19, 35, 95 and 40.
By car
In the Avenida del profesor Dr. Lopez Piñero, at the Umbracle, there are plenty of parking facilities.
