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Located close to the Tibidabo hills of Barcelona, CosmoCaixa is not only a science museum but also a center of discovery for anyone who loves science. Founded in 1904 as an orphanage, the building was converted into a science museum in 1981 and then underwent an extensive renovation in 2004. In recent years, the museum has become the center of attention especially for educational institutions and offers unique experiences to its visitors with special events and temporary exhibitions organized throughout the year. In the museum, which is free of charge with the Barcelona Card, interactive exhibitions and scientific experiments appealing to all age groups make learning fun.
History of CosmoCaixa
Designed by architect Josep Domènech i Estapà, the building originally served as an orphanage under the name Amparo de Santa Lucía. One of the most striking features of the building is its brick and ironwork, reflecting the modernist architecture of the period. In 1981, La Caixa Foundation purchased the building and turned it into a science museum, becoming the city’s science and technology center.
In 2004, a major renovation project led to a complete overhaul of the museum. The renovation resulted in a quadrupling of the exhibition space and the addition of modern interactive experience areas. Today, the museum covers an area of 30,000 square meters and is considered one of the largest science museums in Europe.
Museum Highlights and Experiences
One of the most impressive parts of CosmoCaixa is the Flooded Forest. A life-size replica of the Amazon rainforest, this area shows visitors how a tropical ecosystem functions. In this 1000 square meter area, it is possible to observe the characteristic flora and fauna of the Amazon.
The Geological Wall is an impressive section that tells the story of the formation of our world and the changes it has undergone. This wall, which tells the history of the world with seven different rock formations, offers an indispensable experience for geology enthusiasts.
Planetarium and Space Exploration
The Planetarium, one of the most popular sections of the museum, explains space and celestial bodies with 3D displays. You can also follow current space discoveries with regularly updated programs.
Science Space for Children
The children’s section, called Touch, touch!, allows children aged 3-8 to explore science in a fun way. In this area, children can conduct experiments and learn about science through interactive exhibits.
Practical Information and Advice for Visiting
I recommend spending at least 3-4 hours to visit the museum. It can be quite crowded especially on weekends, so it might be more enjoyable to visit early in the morning. You can reach the museum by taking the L7 metro to the Av. Tibidabo stop and walking a short distance to the museum.
Ticket prices are reasonable and there is a discount for online purchases. You can also visit the museum for free on the first Wednesday of every month. But I have to say that it is quite crowded these days.
CosmoCaixa is a must-see in Barcelona for anyone who loves science. It is especially perfect for families with children. With its interactive exhibitions and constantly renewed content, this museum appeals to visitors of all ages and stands out as one of the city’s most valuable cultural institutions.
CosmoCaixa Science Museum
Website
https://cosmocaixa.org
Visiting Hours
Weekdays: 10:00 / 20:00
Weekends: 10:00 / 20:00
Address
Carrer d'Isaac Newton, 26, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08022 Barcelona
