CosmoCaixa Museum of Science was introduced to me as a bit of a challenge. As someone who is a bit over-exhausted from science museums as a homeschool mom, I was assured this was still a required stop on my trip to Barcelona from a friend. In fact, I was told this is a museum for those who hate museums. While this may be true, CosmoCaixa is also a museum for people who love science but may have grown tired of the typical science museum experience.
This modernist science museum is located just north of the buzz of Barcelona city center, amongst the mansion-lined streets of the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district. With a modest general admission ticket of just €8.00, it’s easy to splurge on additional add-ons, like a digital planetarium viewing (€6). Though the admission price has creeped up over the years, one can argue this is still a great deal as you can easily spend a whole day here. If you have less than two hours, it may be worth waiting until you have more time for a longer visit.
The Science Journey Begins
Once in the museum, you will immediately be met with a seemingly endless downward spiral walking path. It will usher you around a suspended floating tree, giving no indication of what’s ahead. Once you reach the bottom of the ramp and walk under the tree, the true wonder begins.
Before entering the main arena, an exaggerated Foucault’s Pendulum gives pause to visitors waiting just an extra minute before entry to see if they can witness the next peg drop.
A massive room is divided into exhibit-specific space, and almost every exhibit encourages guests to engage. From an enormous block of ice, begging children to leave handprints behind, to the mini-rainforest visitors can walk through, to the hundreds of interactive displays—it’s truly a unique experience.
The large space is divided harmoniously into the Flooded Forest, Digital Planetarium, Universal Room, Remains and Traces, Lab Math, The Geological Wall, and temporary exhibits. Each area is a wealth of knowledge, inviting you to explore and discover. After, you will leave with a renewed sense of wonder about the world around you.
The Flooded Forest
The Flooded Forest is one of the most dramatic displays at the museum. A fusion of land and water guides visitors into the heart of a tropical rainforest. From the main exhibit area, a towering glass wall holds in this lush, vibrant world, presenting it like a living aquarium. Aquatic-friendly trees stretch their branches above and below the water line. Their roots are submerged in the crystal-clear depths, creating a captivating underwater landscape.
As you approach the glass wall, you’ll be met with a kaleidoscope of colors and movement. Vibrant fish dart among the twisted roots, seeking shelter and sustenance; While above the surface, birds perch on the branches and inch close to visitors wandering by. A small path welcomes you to venture deeper into the humid rainforest. Here, creatures roam freely and simulated rainfall constantly animates the space, creating a sense of being truly immersed in real rainforest.
Turtles peek at the curious humans, meanwhile, through the glass, the rest of the museum offers a privileged glimpse into this glass-wrapped forest. With each step, guests are transported to an exhibit where the boundaries between land and water blur.
The Digital Planetarium
The Digital Planetarium is a celestial journey that will transport you to the farthest reaches of the cosmos. For an additional fee, you can enter this captivating “Soap Bubble Planetarium” and discover the universe in the comfort of a plush theater seat, enveloped by a vast dome that becomes your window to the stars.
This complete dome projection system, utilizing cutting-edge 3D technology, is one of the most advanced in the world, offering a mesmerizing array of viewing opportunities through a periodically changing program schedule. Each show provides an immersive experience that goes beyond basic observation. Viewers will be placed in the heart of celestial phenomena, from the birth of galaxies to the dance of distant nebulae.
Breathtaking visuals surround you and thoughtful narration is offered in Spanish, Catalan, English, or French. Surely, you’ll feel like you’re floating among the stars.
Universe Room
The Universe Room is located in the heart of the vast, open expanse of the museum, where the secrets of the universe are unveiled. Reopened in 2019 after receiving an update, now this permanent exhibition welcomes visitors to embark on a journey of discovering our universe.
Immediately, you’ll be greeted by a massive floating Earth suspended overhead, its layers meticulously displayed, inviting you to peek at what lies beneath its surface.The wonders of The Universe Room extend far beyond its centerpiece.
Here, the intricate workings of the cosmos are brought to life through an array of interactive exhibits, games, and mathematical riddles that challenge the mind and ignite curiosity. Explore the exact science behind the intricate mechanisms that govern our universe, unraveling the complexities of physics, chemistry, and beyond with each hands-on experience.
Step inside a larger-than-life representation of the human brain journey that allows you to navigate the intricate pathways and synapses that shape our very existence. As you traverse this cerebral landscape, you’ll gain a profound appreciation for the remarkable complexity of the mind and its role in our understanding of the world around us.
Lab Math
Along with the Universe Room, Lab Math reopened in 2019 after an extensive redesign. At the heart of The Lab Math lies a long, inviting table that stretches before you, its surface adorned with an array of games, labyrinths, and mind-bending conundrums. Each station dares you to unleash your problem-solving skills in pursuit of discovering surprising and ingenious solutions. Lab Math is curated to tap into your own personal, intellectual discovery.
These interactive exhibits offer opportunities to exercise creative and logical thought and provide a tangible application of mathematics in both our daily lives and the natural world. As you navigate through the labyrinth of puzzles, you’ll find yourself exploring mathematical principles in new and interesting ways.
An Immersive Celebration of Science and Wonder
From the moment you enter CosmoCaixa, a sense of awe and curiosity envelops you. This remarkable museum defies expectations and invites visitors of all ages to embark on a cosmic journey of discovery. CosmoCaixa celebrates the wonders of science through its harmonious blend of hands-on exhibits, captivating displays and immersive experiences.
The Flooded Forest transports you into the heart of a tropical rainforest, blurring the boundaries between land and water. Meanwhile, the Digital Planetarium whisks you away to the farthest reaches of the cosmos. The Universe Room and Lab Math challenge your mind with interactive games, puzzles, and mathematical riddles, which unlock a deeper understanding of the intricate mechanisms that govern our universe.
Whether you’re a seasoned scientist or a curious novice, CosmoCaixa offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore, question, and discover. With a seamless integration of education and entertainment, this museum is a true celebration of science. You will be ignited with a sense of wonder and curiosity that lingers long after your visit. CosmoCaixa is a must visit destination for anyone seeking to unlock the mysteries of our world and beyond, or just casually enjoy the beauty of our universe.
Other Science Museums in Europe
Visit Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona if a more traditional science museum is your thing. If you are really excited about science, don’t miss the Deutsches Museum, the biggest science museum in the world, with over 28,000 objects on display. Heading to Amsterdam? Check out NEMO. It’s the largest science museum in the Netherlands with wildly interactive exhibits and an ideal location.
Cover photo: Lana Katsaros
[Written June 2024]
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