Valencia approaches 2027 as a year of major cultural debuts, key international sporting events, new tourist venues, and urban transformation projects that will continue to enhance the city's appeal. The opening of flagship museums, the restoration of historical heritage, a focus on nature, elite sports, and new infrastructure draw up a calendar packed with novelties for anyone wishing to discover a city in constant evolution.
Here are some of the reasons why 2027 will be a great year to visit Valencia.
1. The City Museum will host Sorolla's works from the Hispanic Society of New York
Few openings generate as much anticipation as the Sorolla exhibition, which will be held in the historic Palacio del Marqués de Campo, home to the City Museum. Following intensive preparation, Valencia will offer 2,000 square metres of exhibition space across 15 rooms dedicated to one of its most universal artists, whose work helped project Mediterranean light and landscapes internationally.
Choosing the City Museum as the venue will allow visitors to explore the deep relationship between Joaquín Sorolla and his hometown in the very heart of the historic centre, offering locals and tourists a new perspective on the life and legacy of the Valencian painter. The space is set to become one of the most prominent additions to the city's cultural offering and a major highlight for art lovers.
2. Major sporting events will define 2027 in Valencia
The 2027 sports calendar will put Valencia firmly in the international spotlight.
The city will host the European Athletics Championships, reinforcing its growing reputation for hosting top-tier sporting events and confirming its commitment to athletics and healthy living. Added to this is the return of the spectacular SailGP, whose F50 catamarans will transform La Marina into a privileged setting for sport and entertainment for the second consecutive year. The Copa del Rey Basketball Tournament will gather the country's top teams and fans in one of the most widely followed events on the Spanish calendar. Once again, the Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Zurich Marathon and the MotoGP Valencia Grand Prix will remain the most established and prestigious fixtures on Valencia's sports calendar.
3. Espai Valdés: the new landmark for contemporary art
2027 will also mark the highly anticipated debut of Espai Valdés, the new centre dedicated to the work of Manolo Valdés, one of Valencia's most internationally acclaimed artists. Located in Shed 3 of Parc Central, the project will transform a historic industrial warehouse into a flagship cultural facility.
The project will bring together thirty previously unseen works on loan from the artist himself, accessible with free admission. Its goal is to bring Valdés's work closer to residents and visitors while solidifying Valencia as one of the Mediterranean's major cultural capitals. The opening represents another step in the cultural revitalization of Parc Central, introducing a unique exhibition venue dedicated to a key figure in Spanish contemporary art.
4. The sea reclaims its memory: Museu de la Mar
The recovery of maritime and historical heritage takes centre stage with the recent opening of the new Museu de la Mar in the historic Casa dels Bous in El Cabanyal. For decades, this was where the oxen were kept that helped drag fishing boats onto the shore and transport the day's catch.
The space presents a museum concept focused on fishing traditions, port life, and Valencia's close relationship with the Mediterranean. The museum aims to become a benchmark for understanding the maritime history of the city and its coastal neighbourhoods.
5. Palau de la Música celebrates 40 years
Since opening in 1987, the Palau de la Música has become one of Valencia's iconic cultural landmarks. In 2027, it celebrates forty years of history with a special programme showcasing its artistic trajectory.
Four decades on, the auditorium remains one of Spain's premiere musical venues, home to the Valencia Orchestra and a regular stage for leading international performers. This anniversary will serve to strengthen the city's position as a top-tier cultural and musical destination.
6. Turia Garden continues its transformation
The city's main green lung, marking its 40th anniversary, will continue evolving in 2027 with fresh investments and enhancements designed to improve the experience for locals and visitors.
Among the highlights is decorative lighting for the 17 bridges spanning the former riverbed, including some of the city's most iconic historic bridges. Furthermore, the park takes a significant step forward with the opening of a new 1.3-kilometre walking and cycling path linking the final section of the garden directly to the seafront. This will allow visitors to travel on foot or by bicycle uninterrupted along the city's entire green corridor, from Cabecera Park all the way to the sea.
These works enhance one of Valencia's most identifiable urban landscapes, complementing recent upgrades made to various sections of the garden, such as the extension of the running track and the creation of a new pollinator garden to support urban biodiversity.
7. The Gulliver universe expands with a new family adventure
One of the most exciting projects for families will be Gulliver's new Lilliput, expanding the world of the iconic children's park in the Turia Garden.
The new installation will feature a seated sculpture of Gulliver standing over eight metres tall, designed as a massive play area. Children can explore tunnels, climb structures, cross elevated walkways, and slide down multiple slides built into the figure itself. Giant books, ramparts, towers, and settings inspired by Gulliver's Travels complete a proposal that enriches the city's family leisure offerings.
8. Nou Mestalla redefines Valencia's skyline
Valencia's urban transformation will find one of its main symbols in the Nou Mestalla. Conceived as a next-generation stadium seating over 70,000 spectators, the future venue is set to become much more than a sporting arena.
In addition to hosting Valencia CF matches, it will feature premium areas, facilities for conferences and events, and new services designed to operate year-round. Its launch will boost the city's sports and MICE tourism offerings, adding a new architectural icon to the Valencian landscape.
9. La Devesa forest marks its centenary and Central Market looks to 100 years
2027 marks 100 years since Valencia City Council acquired La Devesa forest, a key moment that shaped the future of one of the Mediterranean's most valuable natural spaces. Centenary celebrations will highlight the environmental value of La Devesa and L'Albufera, alongside conservation and environmental education initiatives developed over recent decades.
At the same time, the Central Market begins its countdown towards its own centenary in 2028. Widely regarded as one of Europe's most spectacular modernist markets, the landmark building prepares to celebrate a century as an enduring symbol of Valencian identity.
10. New hotels for today's travellers
Valencia's hotel offerings will expand further throughout 2027 with several new openings. Highlights include The Bank Hotel MYR, an elegant development converting a historic building into exclusive accommodation in the heart of the financial and cultural district. Joining it is Cuber House Valencia Curio Collection by Hilton, a boutique concept blending contemporary design with maritime heritage in the historic El Cabanyal neighbourhood.
These new additions consolidate an increasingly diverse hospitality infrastructure, joining recent openings like Sleep'n Valencia—a sustainable and pet-friendly design hotel next to Plaza del Ayuntamiento—the Intelier Malvarrosa Plaza, and Sercotel Valencia Ruzafa, tailored to meet modern travel preferences.
