Fifteen years after the opening of the L’Hemisfèric (Planetarium) at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, the structure continues to be one of the most recognizable works in Spain. We made our way to Valencia and were amazed by the sheer size and intricate details of the City of Arts and Sciences complex. The Science Museum Principe Felipe, L’Umbracle (Parking Structure), Palacio de las Artes in the complex are outstanding, but the L’Hemisfèric that is designed as a human eye stole the show.

The “pupil” is the hemispherical dome of the IMAX Theater. The elongated aluminum awnings fold upwards to form the eye shape. During the day, the structure looks like a half circle covered by a canopy, but at night the eye is formed. The hemispherical dome and awnings form half of the eye, and the reflection from the pool of water to its side form the other half. See the image below during the day, and the image above highlighting the eye at night. It’s quite a sight and transformation.

Source: Santiago Calatrava