Miramon, the other Donostia-San Sebastian

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Kutxaspace of Science

Nature, science and technology give one another a helping hand in a space in expansion, which is full of surprises for adults and children: constructions ‘for dwarves’, buildings that have changed their initial location.

Taking the bus number 28 (from Amara to Ciudad Sanitaria) we accede to this hill, situated behind the Anoeta sport complex. From the bus, we can appreciate the stadium and the leisure centre, as well as the amphitheatre of llumbe. The last stop will leave us at the entry to the Miramon Park – a surface of 70 hectares where the science museum, the technological park and a nature area are situated.

Approaching the entry of the Kutxaspace of Science, we will be surprised by a few small-scale buildings. The miniature reproductions of different important monuments will allow us to ‘walk round’ Gipuzkoa in a few steps and with a giant view. The Regional Council (la Diputación) palace, the Loiola and the Arantzazu sanctuary, the Oñati University... - a collection of Gipuzkoa’s emblematic buildings reproduced at a 1:25 scale will make us feel like Gulliver.

Next to “ miniature Gipuzkoa” raises Miramon - Kutxaspace of Science, whose motto contrary to other museums is “Forbidden not to touch”. More than 160 interactive experiences invite the spectator to touch, look and react in order to understand better the scientific phenomenon and the new technologies. The planetarium and the temporary exhibitions are part of its other attractive aspects. The names of the sections dividing the place are already very suggestive: Earth shuttle, mechanic world, light games, energy sparks, sense and sensibility, surprising materials, artificial life… Science is funny.

Back to the central street of Miramon - the paseo de Mikeletegi, on both sides we will see avant-garde constructions where technological companies and associations of enterprises are located. The San Sebastián’s technological park, surrounded by nature, has also a meeting centre. The central building of this technology and development pole has an auditorium with telecommunication systems, exhibition halls and meeting rooms, as well as a restaurant directed by Hilario Arbelaitz.

Miramon has a last surprise for us. At the end of the paseo de Mikeletegi, we will see not only the wonderful view over the city but also the Arbide towers. These are two small palaces with a particularity: they were in the centre of Donostia-San Sebastian and in order not to see them disappear, they have been transferred stone by stone (in 6 300 pieces) till Miramon, where the ‘puzzle’ has been rebuilt. The Aranzadi science Society and the Kutxa saving bank are located in these palaces dating from the beginning of the 20th century. In 1974, they were transferred stone by stone and rebuilt in Miramon.