A Classic Film in the Palau de la Música Gardens
Valencia brings classic cinema outdoors with the screening of The African Queen, the iconic 1951 film by John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. This title is part of the A River of Cinema cycle, which explores the river as a narrative symbol, within the 2026 Summer Filmoteca, organised by the Valencian Institute of Culture (IVC) in collaboration with Valencia City Council.
The film will be shown in its original version (with Spanish subtitles) on 10 and 11 August at 22:30 on the open-air big screen at the Palau de la Música Gardens, a unique setting alongside the Turia riverbed. At 106 minutes long, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a cinema classic in a magical setting.
Practical details
- Dates and times: 10 and 11 August 2026, at 22:30 (box office and bar open from 21:30).
- Venue: Palau de la Música Gardens (Section XI of the Turia Garden, Valencia).
- Price: Free entry (no prior booking required, but early arrival is recommended due to limited capacity).
- Requirements: No age restrictions. Outside food and drink are allowed, though the venue has a bar service.
How to get there
By public transport
The venue is well connected:
- EMT Bus: Stops Albereda - Palau de la Música (lines 94, 100 m away) and Jacinto Benavente - Pont Angel Custodi (lines 24, 25, 95, 110 m away). Check routes and timetables here.
- Metro/tram: Stations Amado Granell - Montolivet and Russafa (line 10, around 750 m away).
- MetroBus: Stops on C/ Alcalde Reig (380-415 m away).
By bike
If you prefer cycling, there are several options nearby:
- Valenbisi: Stations Salamanca - Reina Doña Germana (212 m, available docking points) and Alameda - Pintor Monleón (220 m). More info on bikes in Valencia here.
- Bike parking: There are designated areas around the Palau de la Música.
By car
- Nearby car parks:
- Parking Conde Altea - Salamanca - Canovas (505 m, on C/ Altea, Pl. Canovas).
- Other public car parks in the Plaza de Cánovas or Gran Vía Marqués del Túria area.
About the 2026 Summer Filmoteca
This year, the festival celebrates its 30th edition with a programme featuring 19 films (17 feature-length and 2 shorts), structured into two cycles:
- A River of Cinema: A reflection on the river as a narrative element, with titles like The Night of the Hunter and Aguirre, the Wrath of God.
- Top Critics and Festivals 2025: The highlights of the 2025 film season.
All screenings are in their original version and free to attend, though it’s worth checking the full programme to avoid missing other classics.
Tips for enjoying the screening
- Bring comfortable clothing and something to sit on (though the venue provides chairs, you can bring a blanket or cushion).
- If driving, arrive early to find parking, as the area can get busy.
- Take the chance to stroll through the Turia Garden before the film, one of Valencia’s green lungs.
- Check the weather forecast: as it’s an open-air event, screenings may be cancelled due to rain (in which case, updates will be posted on the IVC official website).
