The newest gem of the City of Arts and Sciences is the CaixaForum Agora, often simply called the Agora. With its deep blue façade and moon-shaped, futuristic design, this eye-catching building is impossible to miss. You’ll find it perfectly nestled between the Oceanogràfic and the striking Assut d’Or Bridge.
Today, the Agora is home to the CaixaForum, a cultural hotspot hosting fascinating exhibitions, creative workshops, and special events all year round. Curious to know more? Head over to Verrassend Valencia for insider tips and stories about this architectural highlight.
Designed by Santiago Calatrava
The Agora in Valencia was designed by the world-famous architect Santiago Calatrava, a proud Valencian known for his iconic creations. He is the mastermind behind the entire City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex that has become a true symbol of the city. His signature style? Think skeleton-like structures combined with a sleek, modern, and almost otherworldly design.
Construction of the Agora was officially completed in 2009. With that, making it the last building of the City of Arts and Sciences to open its doors. In November 2009, the venue hosted its very first event.
Unique Architecture
The Agora is anything but ordinary. Surrounded by water, its oval shape and deep blue façade make it a true standout. Some see it as a moon, others as a planet floating in space, the water around it creating that cosmic vibe.
The building measures 88 meters long, 66 meters wide, and 70 meters high. Inside, there’s a covered area of over 6500m², big enough to host around 6000 people. The futuristic roof, made of glass, creates a magical atmosphere during evening events as light reflects beautifully off the surface. Much of the structure is also covered in blue trencadís tiles, adding a local and artistic touch.
The Art of Trencadís
If you’ve ever strolled through Parc Güell in Barcelona, you’ve seen trencadís, the colorful mosaic style made famous by Antoni Gaudí. At the Agora, the technique takes on a more modern twist: instead of a rainbow of colors, the entire building shimmers in deep shades of blue, making it a striking sight against Valencia’s bright sky.
A Leaky Roof
Even architectural masterpieces have their flaws. In 2012, just a few years after opening, the Agora made headlines when its roof started leaking during the Valencia Open 500 tennis tournament. Buckets were scattered around the court to catch dripping rainwater, and ball boys had to run onto the court mid-match to wipe away the puddles. Not the futuristic experience Calatrava had in mind, but it certainly added an unforgettable twist to the event.
What the Agora is Used For
Today, the Agora in Valencia serves as a multifunctional event venue. Its spacious, futuristic interior makes it perfect for exhibitions, concerts, product launches, gala dinners, conferences, and much more.
One of the building’s most famous moments was hosting the Valencia Open 500 tennis tournament, where some of the biggest names in international tennis competed on its courts. Stars like Andy Murray, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and Spain’s own David Ferrer have all played here, putting the Agora and Valencia in the global spotlight.
Visiting the Agora
Since June 2022, the Agora, now known as CaixaForum Valencia, has reopened its doors to visitors. You can explore its impressive architecture and discover the cultural exhibitions inside for just €6.00,- Tickets can easily be purchased online here.
Tips
- Curious to dive deeper into the Agora or discover the other stunning buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences (CAC)?A guided tour is the perfect way to explore this futuristic complex and hear all the insider stories behind its architecture.
- Reaching the Agora and the rest of the City of Arts and Sciences is easy. You can take a taxi, use public transport, or even go by bike. And here’s some good news: thanks to the new metro line 10, you can now travel directly from Ruzafa to the complex. Simply hop on at Alacant or Russafa metro stations, and you’ll be there in no time.