A Visit to the World's Largest Bio-domes

Nestled in the middle-of-nowhere in Cornwall is the world famous Eden Project, which is home to the largest bio-domes in the world. Each bio-dome, the Mediterranean and the tropical, consists of adjoining domes made up of inflated plastic hexagons held together by steel beams. Ashley and I drove nearly four hours to St. Austell, Cornwall to experience the gigantic bio-domes firsthand.

When we arrived at Eden, paid our £10 for each ticket (normally adults pay £17.50, but we got the cheaper fare because we came after 3:30), and stepped out on the platform overlooking the park, I found the view surreal. Lying before me, in a giant creator, were the bio-domes, jam-packed in the hidden valley. Upon arrival I had been expecting to see the largest bio-domes in the world from afar, but now it made sense: due to the deep creator, they were all conveniently hidden beneath the horizon.

In the center of Eden was a large stage arena, where children's obstacle courses and toys were scattered about. A band played live music while a barbecue seemed to be going on.

In the Mediterranean domes, I found myself somewhat transported back home, to California! Different sections of the dome had themes, one being California. Flowers, vegetables, trees (palm tress! aww, miss them), soil, shrubs, even insects emulated the different regions. Statues and art also depicted the history of the regions and how the environment has affected life.

The tropical domes, on the other hand, simulate the rainforests of the world. And as Ashley and I walked along the guided paths, higher and higher in the dome, the climate became more hot and humid. Bullets of sweat beaded down our faces, as we witnessed set ups of huts and shelters, banana trees, waterfalls, and precious tropical crops like giant bamboo, sugar and rubber.

I feel privileged to have experienced the world's largest bio-domes. The visit conjured up memories of the 1996 movie Bio-Dome starring Pauly Shore, remember that one? Haha.





>>>This sculpture scene pays tribute to the historical celebrations of Mediterranean people to Dionysus, the God of wine.








>>> This is a stairway to a hanging lookout centered over the rainforest dome.




>>> This creepy guy is an art piece made up of trash from humans: vacuums, TV sets, stereos, microwaves, etc. It's a reminder of how man-made pollution is killing our delicate ecosystems.

♡ - Kristen