This great architectural grouping is the largest European urban complex built in recent years for cultural, educational and leisure purposes. The project, located in the old Turia riverbed, in the southeast sector of the city, uses advanced technology infrastructures coupled with art, science and nature. The famous architect Santiago Calatrava collaborated with Felix Candela on the construction, resulting in a work that has placed Valencia firmly at the urban cutting edge.

The architectural complex includes the following units: Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia (Queen Sofia Palace of Arts), a monumental building that has a theatre and auditorium for opera and ballet, L'Hemisferic, a circular facility for large format films, planetarium images and laser technology shows; the Museu de les Ciencies Principe Felipe (Prince Felipe Science Museum), an interactive space offering sensory and knowledge adventures; L'Oceanografic, a veritable underwater city that invites the visitor to explore ocean habitats; L'Umbracle, an outdoor garden with local species of plants and trees; and L'Agora, a space for social events planned to form the backdrop of the Valencia Open 500 tennis tournament in November 2009 .