CosmoCaixa in Barcelona is one of the largest science museums in Europe; It is part of the Obra Social “La Caixa” cultural network. The motto of the museum is “Explore, check, be surprised.” It was opened in 2004 after a major overhaul of its main building, designed in 1904 by modernist architect Josep Domenc and Estapa, and the implementation of a new building designed by the architect Terrad. It is a science center specifically designed for adults and children.
Description
Barcelona has more than 80 museums. Sure, everyone has something to see, but it's hard to find one as attractive as CosmoCaixa. In this museum, everyone, regardless of age, can enjoy and learn a lot about the natural sciences, conduct many experiments and even get caught in the tropical rain. The museum surprises not only with a wealth of information and active actions, but also at affordable prices. Experimentation is interesting not only for children, but also for the whole family. CosmoCaixa Barcelona has a total area of 30,000 m 2 , where there are exhibitions, a planetarium, rainforest, conference rooms, a shop, cafes and places for recreation.
Museum structure
CosmoCaixa Barcelona is a permanent exhibition, divided into nine sections: The geological wall is dedicated to geology; Amazon rainforest talks about life forms and biodiversity; The Matter Hall, located on an area of 3,500 square meters, represents the history of matter from the Big Bang; 3D planetarium dedicated to astronomy; Science Square is an open-air site occupying more than 5000 square meters with interactive displays and installations; Flash / Click is a place where young children can literally touch science thanks to a number of special practical exhibits; Planetarium Bubble, specially designed for children from 3 to 8 years; “Touch!” (Toca toca!) Is a space dedicated to life in different habitats: forest, desert and sea; Meteorological station introduces the atmosphere and meteorology.
CosmoCaixa Barcelona also offers the possibility of hosting temporary exhibitions, seminars, conferences and educational programs. Here, guests can visit the shop, restaurant, and cafe. CosmoCaixa is fully accessible for people with reduced mobility.
History
The historical part of the building where the museum is located was built in 1904-1909 by the architects Josep Domenč and Estapa and was originally used as housing for blind girls. This is a beautiful Art Nouveau red brick work adorned with wonderful decorative mosaics.
In 1979, the building was expanded and then opened to the public in 1981 as a science museum called Caixa. Subsequently, the need arose for further expansion, until the museum was completely redesigned. The new part of the building, made of glass and located underground, was created by architects Estevo and Roberto Terradas.
In September 2004, after reconstruction, the CosmoCaixa Museum opened its doors. In 2006, it was named the “European Museum of the Year”.
First impressions
Upon arrival, the attention of visitors is immediately attracted by a huge tree, stretching up. This is the “tree of life" that was brought from Brazil to Barcelona when it had already died. A ramp in the form of a spiral running through a tree leads to the museum's expositions. A walk through the tree is impressive and gives you the opportunity to reflect on what awaits visitors in the museum. First of all, a person standing at the roots of a tree is struck by how small he is.
A tropical forest
The museum exposition offers a trip to the Amazon. A dark passage leads past anthills, colorful poisonous frogs, snakes and piranhas. A few steps up - and visitors are surrounded by rainforest. It rains every 15 minutes.
Here, on an area of about 1000 m², a small part of the Amazon rainforest is recreated. Large trees made of plastic; however, this detail remains unnoticed, especially in combination with small living plants. All animals that can be seen along this path are authentic. Along with air humidity, the overall impression is complemented by a slightly musty smell and background noise of birds and running water, so the visitor seems to be in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. Here you can find 13 different species of trees, as well as 58 - plants and 36 - animals.
At the exit of the tropical forest zone there is a small aquarium with curious and colorful inhabitants. On the left, the geological wall rises - seven pieces of real stone with a total weight of 100 tons. This gives an idea of geological history. There you can conduct a small experiment: just by clicking a button, you can see how the appearance of the stones changed. Some of the blocks of stone look as if they were painted. The huge variety of colors created by nature is amazing.
Sandstorms
On the other hand, the museum shows how people use various forms that exist in nature: for example, the shape of a snail or honeycomb. It also presents the history of the origin of the human race and much more, as well as various physical experiments that demonstrate the effects of light, gravity, etc.
By pressing the buttons, you can create sandstorms or experiment using your own shadow, the colors of which are refracted in the light. It is also interesting to hear how a voice will sound if it belongs to another sex or is spoken on another planet.
For those who feel hungry, next to the exposition there is a cafe in which there are snacks, hot and cold drinks. There is also a restaurant. And for those who want to relax closer to nature and bring food with them, there are special places for a picnic.
Top level
Having a snack, you can go to the higher. Here are temporary expositions. For example, at one time there was an exhibition telling about various drugs, their effects on the psyche and the body as a whole were demonstrated. There were exhibits telling about the importance of numbers in everyday life, about the illusionary illusions of science, and an exhibition telling about Charles Darwin.
On the way back to the first floor are the Planetarium and the Touch section (Toca toca!). An amazing virtual tour of the Universe is presented, starting with the creation of the planets: visitors find themselves in the very center of the Big Bang. In the second section, you can conduct experiments with the environment, using all your senses. Animals from different habitats are represented there, you can touch them. This place is for those who always wanted to touch a hairy spider, slippery snakes or turtles. Both of these halls are open only on weekends, as groups of schoolchildren visit them during the week.
Visitor Information
Cosmocaixa Barcelona Address: Isaac Newton, 26, 08022 Barcelona. The museum is located at the foot of Tibidabo Hill.
Cosmocaixa Barcelona - how to get there: buses 17, 22, 60, 73, 123, 124, 131, 196, as well as line 7 on Ferrocarril to Tibidabo Avenue, then climb the hill and follow the signs for “Museo de la ciencia” (Museum of Science) . You can simply take bus number 196 directly to the door or take a tram to the end of the route and then walk the rest of the way.
Official site Cosmocaixa Barcelona: http://obrasocial.lacaixa.es/nuestroscentros/cosmocaixabarcelona/cosmocaixabarcelona_es.html
It contains data on the structure of the museum, expositions and many other useful information for visitors.
Opening hours for Cosmocaixa Barcelona: Tuesday to Sunday: open from 10:00 to 20:00 (except 25/12, 01/01 and 06/01). Toca toca! and Planetarium only work on weekends and holidays.
Prices: Entrance to the museum - € 4.00 (price includes temporary exhibitions). Children under 16 years old, students and senior citizens - admission is free.