All about SphereMania Barcelona

You may think that during the shorter, colder, darker days of winter, it’s better to stay indoors all cosy and warm. Barcelona does get a little chilly during the winter months, but that doesn’t mean that the sun never shines. In fact, I’m pretty sure that today is the first “rainy” day we’ve had since the middle of November!

So, if you’re prepared to venture out and you’re looking for something to do in this amazing city, why not make the most of a clear, dry day and head to the Parc del Fòrum for a breath of fresh air?

The first half of November 2011 was wet and dull, but as soon as the sun put his hat back on the Fòrum came to life again with individuals, couples, families and groups of friends making the most of the park’s vast open spaces and fantastic sea views. Most people get around on wheels, be they attached to rollerblades, skateboards, bicycles or even Segways, but walking around is just as enjoyable and invigorating.

If you’re holidaying in the city, then you can rent bicycles and tandems from several rental shops, such as www.budgetbikes.eu or www.bikerentalbarcelona.com. Or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous try a Segway tour.

For local residents, the sports shop Decathlon in the Port del Fòrum offers free rollerblading classes for all ages and abilities on Wednesday afternoons and Sunday mornings.

SphereMania Barcelona may be closed for winter but the Bosc Urbà (Urban Forest) adventure centre, just opposite our Sphereing runway, is still open for business, and for those chillier, perhaps wetter afternoons, the Museu Blau Natural Sciences Museum is open daily.

If by any chance you’re keen to find out more about last week’s bikeshow at the Parc del Forum, here’s the full video report. Keep an eye out for our SphereMania launch ramp! And be aware… it’s in Spanish.

Last Sunday marked the opening of Barcelona’s Museu Blau, a brand new natural sciences museum at the Parc del Forum. The museum is housed in the Edifici Forum (Forum Building), the architectural centerpiece of the park, designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron. Previously home to a cultural exhibition showcasing Barcelona, this vast, blue triangle has long been viewed by many as an impressive but ultimately pointless structure. The multi-million Euro museum conversion breathes new life into both the building and into the park, and forms one of the four elements of the Natural Sciences Museum of Catalonia, distributed throughout Barcelona

Luckily for us, we were able to squeeze in a visit between our morning and afternoon Sphereing sessions, taking advantage of the temporary free entry. We oohed and aahed with everyone else at the giant beasties stalking around outside to promote the museum, which were sufficiently impressive to have a number of small children in tears.

The museum itself was well worth a visit, but we only really had time for a quick dash around the place this time. Their main collections include heaps of animals, fungi, minerals, fossils and more, all displayed to great effect – presumably much more so when you’re not busy elbowing your way through the opening-day hordes. There are lots of hands-on activities and interactive educational displays, with plenty to keep the little ones interested. So, if Sphereing, sunbathing or any of the Forum’s other offerings aren’t your cup of tea, there’s now yet another reason to visit the park, and the museum will undoubtedly form a great counterpoint to the Forum’s incredible upcoming Marine Zoo – more details on that when the project begins to take shape!