L’Hemisfèric (The Hemisfèric) in Valencia is not only one of the most visually striking buildings in the City of Arts and Sciences but also a powerful symbol of science, cinema, and architectural innovation.
Architecture and symbolism
The structure was designed by Santiago Calatrava and takes the form of a giant “eye” floating on a large reflective pool, with the curved roof representing eyelids and the surrounding metal “lashes” adding to the ocular metaphor.
Its shape is both decorative and functional: the building covers an area of about 13,000 m² and stands roughly 26 meters high, with the roof stretching over 100 meters in length.
How the “eye” opens and closes
The most dramatic feature is the roof, made of elongated aluminum panels that slide and rotate along a curved axis, slowly opening like an eyelid to reveal the inner spherical dome.
When fully open, the dome—often called the “iris”—is exposed, signaling that an IMAX or planetarium show is about to begin and creating a cinematic opening sequence for visitors.
Interior function and technology
Inside, the dome houses one of Spain’s largest IMAX‑style auditoriums, with a concave screen covering over 900 m² and seating for around 300–310 people.
The room combines a planetarium, full‑dome IMAX cinema, and laser‑show capabilities, using multiple projectors, laser systems, and a multichannel surround‑sound setup to create immersive audiovisual experiences.
Role in the City of Arts and Sciences
L’Hemisfèric was the first building completed in the City of Arts and Sciences complex, inaugurated in 1998, and it set the tone for the futuristic aesthetic of the entire site.
Beyond cinema and astronomy, the surrounding ring (named the Carl Sagan ring) serves as an open‑air event space, making the building both a cultural venue and an architectural landmark that draws locals and tourists alike.
