Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia (Queen Sofía Palace of the Arts), Valencia

Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia (Queen Sofía Palace of the Arts), Valencia

The Queen Sofía Palace of the Arts (Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía) is an opera house and performing arts center in Valencia. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, it opened on October 8, 2005, and hosted its first opera performance, Beethoven's Fidelio, on October 25, 2006. Plácido Domingo, a renowned tenor and conductor, has a special connection to the palace and has established a program there for young singers.

The Queen Sofía Palace of the Arts is the crowning achievement of the City of Arts and Sciences project by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. Started in 1995, this remarkable structure was completed through a collaboration between Dragados and Necso. It was officially inaugurated by Queen Sofía of Spain on October 8, 2005.

The Queen Sofía Palace of the Arts is the tallest opera house globally, soaring 14 stories high with three additional stories underground. It has a height of 75 meters (246 feet) and a curved-roof structure spanning 230 meters (755 feet). The building covers 40,000 square meters (431,000 square feet) and includes four auditoriums. The Main Hall seats 1,470 people and hosts opera performances, dance, and other arts. Above the Main Hall, the Auditorium accommodates 1,420 spectators with advanced sound and video systems. The Master Class (Aula Magistral) seats 400 and hosts chamber music concerts and conferences. The Martí i Soler Theatre, seating 400, is located beneath the Palau's base and serves as both a performance space and training center.

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Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia (Queen Sofía Palace of the Arts) on Map

Sight Name: Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia (Queen Sofía Palace of the Arts)
Sight Location: Valencia, Spain (See walking tours in Valencia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Valencia, Spain

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