The Oceanogràfic of the City of the Arts and Sciences invites us to discover a genuine marine park that includes the major seas and oceans of the world. With a surface area of 110,000 m2 and a volume of 42 million litres (the equivalent of 15 Olympic swimming pools), it is the largest oceanarium in Europe.

Because of its concept and design, its spectacular dimensions, and the species it contains, the third element of the City of the Arts and Sciences to be opened to the public has become a point of reference for aquariums world-wide. The organisation by themes of its exhibitions gives us a precise vision of marine ecosystems and their great biodiversity, together with the unique sensation of being submerged in search of the secrets of the ocean.

A spectacular design and a varied content .

The spectacular roof design, the posthumous work of the architect Félix Candela, is but a part of this great complex of innovative concepts and exquisite aesthetics, the construction of which has involved the most modern technology and reflects the latest knowledge on marine fauna and flora. The Oceanogràfic incorporates two structures of a design that bears the stamp of this noted architect. They are the most emblematic buildings in the park, the white concrete roofs of which represent a hyperbolic paraboloid figure similar to that of a water lily.

The park includes two clearly differentiated scenarios: installations for fish and invertebrates that reproduce the various marine ecosystems and areas characterised by the presence of sea mammals. Both complement each other perfectly to form the concept of the Oceanogràfic of the City of the Arts and Sciences, a yardstick among new-generation parks that combines major technological advances with an avant-garde design.

During our visit we can become familiar with the behaviour and way of life of over 45,000 individuals of 500 different species. The species that arouse the greatest interest and expectation include sharks, belugas, walruses, dolphins, sea lions, penguins, starfish, sea urchins, and a wide range of crustaceans and fish, together with the bird species found in wetlands such as those inhabiting the Valencia Albufera.