Glowing Future City
Owen Murphy
| 29-07-2025
· Art Team
Hey Lykkers! Imagine strolling through a city where every curve of a building glows like a sculpture from the future, and water mirrors the sky like glass.
That's exactly what we experience when we visit the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences) in Valencia, Spain—especially at night.
Designed by the visionary Santiago Calatrava, this architectural wonder feels like stepping into a dream where art, science, and technology come alive after sunset.
Who Is Behind This Dreamlike Space?
We might already know Santiago Calatrava as the master of nature-inspired architecture, but the City of Arts and Sciences is arguably one of his most iconic creations. Born in Valencia, Calatrava designed this complex as a tribute to his hometown, blending form, light, and purpose.
The complex was built on the former riverbed of the Turia River, and construction began in the late 1990s. What he created wasn't just a group of buildings—it was a vision of how the future could look.
What Makes the City Sparkle at Night?
As night falls, the white, curved forms of Calatrava's architecture glow with soft lighting, reflecting beautifully on the shallow pools surrounding the structures. Every detail is designed to catch the light—arches, ribs, fins, and wings turn into lines of glowing poetry.
We feel like we’re in a sci-fi movie or a surreal art installation. It's not just lighting—it's storytelling through illumination.
The Star Structures in the Complex
The complex includes several futuristic buildings, each with its own charm:
- L'Hemisfèric – A building shaped like an eye, complete with a moving eyelid. At night, its reflection in the water forms a perfect ellipse, glowing like a mystical portal.
- Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia – A performing arts center that looks like a spaceship ready for takeoff. The exterior lighting highlights its sharp lines and curves, giving it an otherworldly presence after dark.
- Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe – This science museum, inspired by a whale skeleton, stretches along the water with rib-like structures that are softly lit. At night, it feels both massive and delicate, like a glowing creature resting by the pool.
- Assut de l'Or Bridge – With its towering white pylon and cable design, this bridge resembles a harp or a sail. At night, the lights make the structure seem suspended in the sky.
- L'Umbracle – A long open-air garden with arching steel structures that are lit to resemble a glowing spine, welcoming night walkers under the stars.
Water and Reflection: The Nighttime Magic
One thing that makes this complex so special at night is the interplay between light and water. The shallow pools surrounding each structure serve as giant mirrors. The buildings don't just stand—they float, doubled in reflection, stretching the space visually.
The result? A magical experience where every step reveals a new glowing angle, a new surreal photograph, a new emotion.
Why We Should Visit at Night
During the day, the white buildings shine under the sun. But at night, everything changes. The city becomes calm, quiet, and glowing. Crowds thin out, the air cools, and the whole area turns into a peaceful futuristic oasis. It's perfect for romantic walks, photography, or just a moment of awe.
If we want to feel like we're in another world—this is the place and time.
How to Get There and When to Go
The City of Arts and Sciences is located in central Valencia. We can easily reach it by bus (lines 13, 15, 19, 35, 40, or 95), taxi, or even a lovely bike ride from the old town along the green Turia Garden path. Admission to the outer complex is free 24/7, so we can enjoy the nighttime scenery without any ticket.
However, if we want to enter the museums or watch a show, it's best to check their official websites for hours and ticket prices.
Best Time to Visit:
Between 8 PM and 11 PM, especially in spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and skies are clear.
Tips for Enjoying the Night Visit
- Bring a tripod if you're into photography—the reflections are too good to miss!
- Wear comfortable shoes; you'll want to walk around the whole area.
- Try viewing the complex from different angles—every spot offers a new perspective.
- Grab a snack beforehand, as nearby shops may close early.
- If you can, time your visit when there's a concert or light show—it adds even more magic.
Let's Walk Under the Lights Together
Lykkers, don't you think this is one of the most magical cityscapes ever created? The City of Arts and Sciences at night isn't just an architectural feat—it's a journey into imagination. Walking here, we realize that buildings can glow, water can talk, and silence can sing.
Next time we plan a night adventure, let's remember this glowing wonder in Valencia. Who knows? Maybe we'll find ourselves standing beneath those arches, feeling like we're part of something futuristic and beautiful.
So, when are we going to explore it together under the stars?
Modern Architecture at Valencia Spain - Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
Video by 𝑴𝒚 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒍