CosmoCaixa

CosmoCaixa Barcelona is an interactive science museum devoted to nature, the universe, and the environment. The building was originally constructed between 1904 and 1909 by Josep Domènech i Estapà as an institution for the blind and closed in 1979. After a comprehensive renovation that preserved the historic facade, along with an expansion to four times its original size, it reopened under its new name in 2004. A striking architectural feature is the large spiral staircase that runs from the basement up to the fifth floor, with a replica Amazon tree at its center.

The exhibitions are diverse and aimed at a broad audience. In the main area, the Universe Hall, you can explore topics interactively, from the Big Bang theory to modern medicine and robotics. The Flooded Forest offers a special experience: it simulates the wet and dry habitats of the Amazon and is home to more than a hundred living animal and plant species, including capybaras, piranhas, and crocodiles. The offerings are rounded out by a geological wall with rock samples from Catalonia and a planetarium designed especially for children.

Younger visitors have special areas such as "Clik and Creactivity," where playful learning takes center stage, and "Touch, touch!," where scientists present living creatures from different habitats. The museum, which is sponsored by the banking foundation La Caixa, also has a library, an educational center, and a café in addition to its exhibitions. Admission is free for children under sixteen, while adults need a regular ticket.