Located in a striking historic building situated a couple miles northwest of the city’s sightseeing core, CosmoCaixa is an interactive science museum that ranks among the most popular family-friendly attractions in all of Barcelona. With multiple floors of fun, hands-on exhibits devoted to kid-centric topics like dinosaurs and rainforests, CosmoCaixa is that rare kid-centric attraction that proves to be as educational as it is entertaining. Admission to CosmoCaixa is included on multiple local tourist passes, though ticket prices here are quite affordable. If you’re willing to buy an extra ticket, you can also catch a show at the museum’s state-of-the-art planetarium.
History of CosmoCaixa
The approximately 120-year-old building that houses CosmoCaixa today has a long and fascinating history. Designed by the architect Josep Domènech i Estapà—best known for his work on such projects as the Torre de la Catalana de Gas, Fabra Observatory, Palau de la Justícia, and the University of Barcelona’s Faculty of Medicine building—CosmoCaixa was originally a home for the blind. It served this purpose for some 70 years, before shutting down its services in 1979.
After an extensive, two-year-long renovation, the building was transformed into the Science Museum of Barcelona; however, this attraction closed its doors in 1998. For the next six years, the site was completely overhauled once more; this lengthy, involved process came to an end in 2004, when the science museum again opened its doors to the public—this time under the sponsorship patronage of a local banking foundation.
CosmoCaixa Highlights
Many of CosmoCaixa’s most popular exhibits are permanent installations. No matter what aspect of the museum you’re interested in exploring, you can’t visit CosmoCaixa without making time for the site’s classic “Flooded Forest” exhibit. Year in and year out a favorite of visitors of all ages, the “Flooded Forest” recreates a piece of the Amazon rainforest right in the midst of bustling Barcelona; you’ll find here all types of Amazonian species like tropical birds, fish, snakes, alligators, and plants.
Other popular exhibits located at CosmoCaixa include “Challenges and Traces,” which highlights the museum’s latest additions to its expansive fossil collection; “Antarctic Base,” a compelling photographic record of life at the South Pole; and the “Universe Room,” an enlightening tour through the history of the world—one that covers the creation of the universe, the evolution of life on Earth, and almost everything in between.
CosmoCaixa is known for staging engaging temporary exhibitions throughout the year. By their very nature, these short-term experiences will vary depending on when you visit the museum. Still, for a bit of context, be advised that one recent temporary display of note was the “Dinosaurs of Patagonia” exhibit, which brought together a variety of fossils, skeletons, and replicas to showcase the outstanding field work being conducted by paleontologists working in the southern hemisphere today.
More to See and Do at CosmoCaixa
CosmoCaixa is the best kind of kid-centric attraction—one where even adults often conclude their visits wishing they had more time to spend exploring its many entertaining and educational exhibits. To learn more about this terrific destination, read on below.
*CosmoCaixa is also home to a state-of-the-art planetarium that screens a range of presentations on subjects like outer space, dinosaurs, and more. The planetarium’s programming schedule changes at various times throughout the year, with many screenings requiring guests to pay a small additional surcharge. For more information, be sure and check out the CosmoCaixa official website in advance of your visit.
*No matter when you visit CosmoCaixa, there’s going to be something special taking place; from guided tours to educational lectures to hands-on immersive experiences, CosmoCaixa offers guests their pick of STEM-forward activities. To ensure you’re up to speed on all the latest happenings occurring here, visit the attraction’s “Activities” webpage before your trip.
*Given how spacious CosmoCaixa is, many visitors work up quite the appetite winding their way through the museum’s many floors. If hunger strikes you during your time here, you can grab something to eat or drink at the CosmoCaixa café. Some visitors even enjoy taking advantage of Plaça de la Ciència, a charming square located just outside the museum where you can treat yourself to a picnic lunch while soaking in the nearby garden’s green charms.
*If you’re in the market for a science-themed souvenir or book, the CosmoCaixa shop is the place for you. It’s a great spot to pick up a thoughtful item that’s as educational as it is fun.
Why CosmoCaixa Should Be on Your Must-See List
Without a doubt, CosmoCaixa is one of Barcelona’s finest family-friendly attractions—and while it’s not the city’s most readily accessible major attraction, it’s definitely the type of place you’ll want to take the kids, especially if the weather takes a turn for the worse. What’s more, admission is easy on even the most discerning traveler’s budget; with the affordable entry tickets here typically costing only a few euros for adults (kids under the age of 16 years old are free), you can visit CosmoCaixa and have a blast without putting the slightest of dents in your trip’s finances.