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Introduction
The Umbracle (Umbráculo) is the garden walkway of Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias), designed by Santiago Calatrava and opened in 2001 in the old bed of the River Turia. Its name is Valencian for a structure that shades plants from the sun, and here a row of white arched ribs shades a landscaped promenade 320 m / 1,050 ft long and 60 m / 197 ft wide.
Entry is free. By day it is a shaded walk past open-air sculptures, with views across the rest of the complex; in the evening the Umbracle Terraza turns part of it into a venue for music and events.
Photo by Alis Monte [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Connecting Valencia
Photo by Alis Monte [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Connecting Valencia
Umbracle Details
- Location: City of Arts and Sciences
- Region: Valencia
- Address: Av. del Professor López Piñero, 7
- Created: 2001
- Architectural Style: Contemporary Modern
- Entrance: Main entrance
- Entrance fee: Free
- Opening hours: Daily 10:00-22:00
History & Development
The name is Valencian: an umbracle (umbráculo in Castellano, from the Latin umbraculum, a sunshade) is a structure that shelters plants from the sun, which is what Calatrava’s white arched ribs do for the garden walk beneath them. In its early concepts, the Umbracle was born from an audacious vision to merge art, nature, and modern design in a single, evocative space. As the time passed, Spanish architects and urban planners, inspired by the rich Mediterranean landscape and local cultural narratives, crafted this outdoor haven to serve as both a gallery and a public park. Their aim was clear: create a fluid space where nature and innovative architecture could converse in the language of light and shadow.
As the years passed, the Umbracle began to evolve, gradually shedding its early sketches and taking on a personality all its own. The space witnessed a quiet transformation—a series of thoughtful updates in which its 320 m / 1,050 ft long, 60 m / 197 ft wide garden promenade and carefully curated sculptures began to narrate a story of constant reinvention. Over time, the site turned into a dynamic open-air stage, hosting unexpected art installations and community gatherings that celebrated both the old soul of Valencia and its forward-looking spirit.
Today, by regularly hosting various art events, the Umbracle continues to inspire visitors with a harmonious blend of practicality and poetic allure, echoing the original spirit of its creators while inviting new stories to be written under the Valencian sky.
Photo by Alis Monte [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Connecting Valencia
Photo by Alis Monte [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Connecting Valencia
Why Visit
During the day, the Umbracle invites visitors to enjoy a serene walk among meticulously landscaped gardens and open-air art exhibits. Stroll along its smooth paths, pause at thoughtfully placed seating areas, and take in the crisp Mediterranean air while observing modern sculptures set against Valencia’s iconic skyline. Most of the visitors choose to visit the Umbracle during the bright part of the day for a calm yet engaging atmosphere, perfect for the best photo opportunities, or is it?
As dusk settles, the space transforms into a lively cultural venue. The ambient lighting enhances the architectural features and garden aesthetics, while scheduled live music performances, art installations, and occasional outdoor film screenings add a dynamic pulse to the evening. During these cultural evenings, the Umbracle is even more of a unique sight.
Want to plan ahead? Visit umbracleterraza.com for the most current information on events and schedules at the Umbracle. Additionally, their Instagram account, @myavalenciaoficial is a great alternative for us, Millenials, or anyone else who brace this platform.
All photos by Alis Monte. If you want to collaborate, contact me on hi@connectingvalencia.com. Photo by Alis Monte [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Connecting Valencia.
The City of Arts & Sciences
- Principe Felipe Science Museum – The primary exhibition promotes science and engineering in Valencia.
- Queen Sofia Palace of Arts – The prime opera house of Valencia, accompanied by a great variety of classical and traditional performances.
- L’Oceanographic – The largest aquarium in Europe, speaks for itself.
- L’Hemisferic – A planetarium and IMAX Cinema theater offering immersive experiences like no other on screen.