On November 18, a new Biennial ‘City and Science’ will simultaneously open in Madrid and Barcelona, marking the International Year of Science and Quantum Technologies. This year, organizers are focusing on making complex physics concepts more accessible, inviting everyone to explore the mysteries of the quantum world. For the first time, the Spanish cities will be joined by Guadalajara, Mexico, where part of the program will take place during the book fair.
Program curators — Professor Elisa Garrido from the Autonomous University of Madrid and researcher Carlos Sabín — have brought together leading scientists, artists, and thinkers under one roof. Throughout the week, attendees can expect lectures, discussions, exhibitions, and interactive events that reveal how science and creativity intersect in today’s world.
Opening and highlights
The opening ceremony will take place at the Fernando de Rojas Theatre at Madrid’s Círculo de Bellas Artes. A special attraction will be an extraordinary dialogue between a virtual avatar of Albert Einstein, created using artificial intelligence, and physicist María García Díaz. They will discuss paradoxes and breakthroughs in quantum theory, with Carlos Sabín moderating the conversation.
That same evening, an exhibition by sculptor Mar Solís will open, offering visitors a fresh perspective on space, time, and matter. The artist’s installations interact with the building’s architecture and the audience, creating a unique sensory experience.
Stars of science and art
Among the invited guests are CaixaForum Madrid Director Isabel Fuentes and European Space Agency astronaut Sara García Alonso, who will discuss how scientific curiosity drives discovery. Italian physicist Carlo Rovelli and architect Blanca Pujals will engage in a dialogue on the intersection of art and quantum physics, while journalist Lorena Sánchez will meet with leading experts in quantum biomolecular physics and information theory.
A special highlight of the program is a meeting with Juan Ignacio Cirac, one of the pioneers of quantum computing, as well as a discussion of Chris Ferrie’s book on modern myths and the realities of quantum science.
Interactive events and city tours
On weekends, Círculo de Bellas Artes will become a venue for family workshops, science games, and experiments. Those interested in learning more about Madrid’s scientific history can join themed walks with experts, exploring the development of biology, astronomy, and the Enlightenment era.
A key event at the biennale will be a roundtable on gender differences in scientific careers, organized by the Women for Quantum movement. Participants will discuss the challenges and opportunities women face in modern science.
Partners and additional venues
The program will also include other cultural centers around the capital. Condeduque will host a discussion on the prospects of quantum computing, while Espacio Fundación Telefónica will organize a meeting on technological innovations in quantum science and artificial intelligence. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum will offer a guided tour combining art and science, and CaixaForum Madrid has prepared a children’s workshop exploring sound experiments.
Leading scientific and cultural organizations, as well as the embassies of Austria, the United Kingdom, and Australia, have joined the biennial. Thanks to this collaboration, the event is set to become one of the year’s most prominent gatherings for anyone interested in science, art, and their future.
