Located next to the Casa Encendida and almost opposite the Price Circus, the Museum of Happiness opened just over six months ago. It is located specifically on Ronda de Valencia, number 8, in the capital.
It is a 600-meter space on three floors that offers 20 immersive experiences: from trying a machine that gives hugs, to entering a rhysodrome to activate the laughter therapy machine. In that period, 35,000 people and more than 20 schools have already passed through.
Pablo Claver, director of the museum, explains that “the idea arose when the pandemic and Philomena: I was at home and I saw that there was nothing of this style in Spain and there was in other Nordic countries.”
Through its different rooms a complete journey is made through the history and geography of happiness. From the entrance you have to smile because to enter there is a facial recognition device, which only opens with a smile.
In principle, it is a small museum designed for adults, but the reality is that during the weekend there are entire families with children.
“There are four hormones that work on happiness: serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins,” says Pablo Claver, head of the museum, who adds: “These four hormones work on different areas of the brain and can be activated through behaviors. and actions such as hugs, interactive games, laughter and healthy habits.
It also has a space dedicated to animals. Claver highlights that “there are more than 65 animals that smile.” Hence, an interactive screen has been placed where they pass and you can interact with them.
And among the areas that attract the most attention are the risodrome capsule, the hug meter and the anti-stress space. The visit concludes with a slide, which ends in a small ball pool.
The price of tickets to the museum starts at 11 euros per person, since it can vary depending on the day, and it is an experience that can be enjoyed from 4 to 104 years old. It is supported by entities such as the International Happiness Institute of Denmark, the World Happiness Foundation, the Tal Ben Shahar Happiness Academy and a special alliance with the Museum of Happiness in Copenhagen.
Due to the great reception among the smallest of families, it prepares special activities for days without classes or the holiday season.
