CosmoCaixa Science Museum – Barcelona

The CosmoCaixa Barcelona is a large science museum located at the foot of the Tibidabo hill; it is part of the Obra Social “La Caixa” network of cultural venues.

Above: an exterior view of the CosmoCaixa Science Museum in Barcelona; photo Jose Mesa (CC BY 2.0).

Re-opened in 2004 after a major renovation of its fascinating core building – designed in 1904 by modernist architect Josep Domènech i Estapà – and the realization of a new building designed by Terrada architects, the CosmoCaixa is a science center particularly addressed to families and children, but also interesting for all.

CosmoCaixa presents a permanent exhibition divided into nine sections; Geological Wall is dedicated to geology; Amazon Flooded Forest is focused on life forms and biodiversity; Hall of Matter, on a surface of 3,500 square meters,  depicts the history of matter from the Big Bang onwards; 3D Planetarium is dedicated to astronomy; Science Square is a 5,000 square meters open-air space provided with interactive displays and installations; Flash/Click is a space where young children can experience science through a series of hands-on exhibits; Bubble Planetarium is a planetarium especially addressed to children from 3 to 8 years old; Touch Touch! is a space dedicated to creatures living in different habitats: forest, desert, and the sea; Meteorological Station is dedicated to atmosphere and meteorology.

COSMOCAIXA, view of the spiral ramp, photo Jordi Payà Canals (CC BY-ND 2.0).

Two views of the permanent exhibition at Cosmocaixa; photos Jordi Payà Canals (CC BY-ND 2.0) and Wojtek Gurak.

CosmoCaixa Barcelona also provides a broad offer of temporary science exhibitions, workshops, conferences, and educational programs. At the center, a shop and a restaurant/café are available to the visitors. The CosmoCaixa is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility

Cover image: COSMOCAIXA, exterior view, photo Mark Huguet (CC BY-SA 2.0)