When Architecture Meets the Galaxy Far, Far Away
Wide angle shot from the ground level. Festival aftermath left one pool drained, but honestly, it only gave the scene a more Empire feel to it - very Andor!
So, picture this: a photographer (me), a camera, and Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias), stepping into a place so futuristic it practically screams Star Wars. Fun fact: this exact location served as a filming spot for Andor. Yep, I was basically standing in the same place where Cassian Andor was rescuing Senator Mon Mothma from certain doom. Cue dramatic music (here’s some for you).
Honestly, it’s the kind of place that makes your jaw drop and your camera go, “Yes, I am ready.”
The City of Arts and Sciences: A Futuristic Playground
Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this complex is like someone told a robot to design a city and it went completely wild with white curves and reflective pools. Opened in 1998, it’s become one of Valencia’s most iconic spots — perfect for Andor, Instagrammers, and anyone who just likes wandering around looking like they’re in a sci-fi movie.
From the Hemisfèric (that giant eyeball building that looks like it’s scanning your soul) to the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (opera house meets spaceship), every angle screams, “Yes, film a Star Wars scene here.”
Wide-angle view of the left side of the City of Arts and Sciences: Hemisfèric, Umbracle, and Museu de les Ciències, all in cinematic glory.
A Real-Life Senate Drama
Now, if you haven’t been fortunate enough to watch Andor yet, let me take you through what role Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences played in the show. The location played the Senate building in Episode 9 of Season 2, where Cassian Andor stages the daring rescue of Senator Mon Mothma after she calls out Emperor Palpatine for, well, genocide. Heavy stuff and very topical for 2025 - more so when you consider she was about to be offed for doing it.
Early morning sunlight hitting the bone-white structures of the Hemisfèric at Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences — lens flare included, because why not?
A still from Andor S2 E9
© Lucasfilm Ltd. / Disney.
Parking the politics, the wild thing about this set? The architecture didn’t need much, if any, tweaking. Those sweeping white curves, reflecting pools, and futuristic angles basically screamed “Senate building” all on their own. Forget hours of CGI; Valencia did most of the heavy lifting. Walking around, I half-expected cosplayers to be re-enacting scenes or delivering fiery speeches.
The stairs of the Museu de les Ciències - almost make you want to reenact a Kloris scene. (Only kidding… mostly.)
Plot twist: there had been a festival the night before, so one of the reflecting pools had been drained. Cue a tiny sigh of disappointment. But honestly? Didn’t matter. The place was still jaw-droppingly amazing. Sometimes in photography, you just embrace the missing water and call it an act of rebellion.
Photographing the City of Arts and Sciences: Sunglasses Required
We rolled up at 8 AM in peak summer — the sun was already having a full-on rave in the sky. Both my camera and I needed our shades. I had my Fuji X-H2S with the trusty tank that is the Fuji 24-70mm f/2.8, wearing an URTH 2-400 ND filter in order to battle the blinding light.
Lens flare? Everywhere. Did I care? Not a bit.
This shoot was quite different from my usual photography style. Normally, I’m all about moody light and careful shadows. Here? Full-on, cinematic, “who cares about lens flare” vibes.
The Umbracle saved the day a bit. A shaded oasis of palms and rainforest-style plants gave my camera (and me) some relief from the sun, plus a nice splash of green to break up all that white. These contrasting elements — stark white architecture against vibrant greenery — gave my images both depth and a touch of unexpected serenity.
Here’s the thing: the City of Arts and Sciences isn’t just architecture. It’s storytelling. Andor fans? You’re stepping into the set of a tense Senate rescue. Photographers? You’re in a candy store of lines, reflections, flare, and pops of green.
Against the Clock
We were on a bit of a tight schedule, so we stuck to the left side of the complex, missing out on the oceanographic centre. That meant checking out the Hemisfèric, basking in the Umbracle’s shade, and heading into the Museu de les Ciències right at 9 AM.
I have to admit, I was a little gutted not to run up the steps of the museum’s upper level and re-enact the Kloris shooting scene with my partner. (Only kidding… mostly.) Still, just imagining it made me grin — and it gave me extra motivation to capture every angle before the crowds arrived.
Tips for Fellow Fans and Photographers
If you’re planning your own trip:
ND filters are your best friend in blazing sunlight.
Embrace lens flare. It’s dramatic, cinematic, and totally Instagram-worthy.
Use shaded spots, such as the Umbracle, to balance out the harsh light and add pops of green.
Don’t stress if a pool is drained; just call it “post-apocalyptic chic” and move on.
Timing is key: the site opens early, so get there before the crowds.
A Must-Visit for Star Wars Fans and Creatives
Whether you’re a Star Wars fan, a photographer hunting epic shots, or just someone who likes cool spaceships masquerading as buildings, Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences is a must-see. Sure, some pools might be drained, the sun will try to roast you alive, and you might not get to re-enact every scene (sad face)… but that’s just part of the adventure.
If you’re planning a photography trip to Spain, add Valencia to your list - and may the flare be with you.