The biomes are constructed from ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene), a material that is lighter than glass and self-cleaning.
The site was built inside a disused china clay quarry, requiring the removal of 83,000 tonnes of soil before construction.
The Rainforest Biome is large enough to house the Tower of London.
Plants in the Mediterranean biome were selected based on their historical significance to human trade and agriculture.
The geothermal project on-site was the first of its kind in the UK to supply heat to a major visitor attraction.
The site utilizes a rainwater harvesting system to provide all the water necessary for plant irrigation and toilets.
The steel frame of the biomes contains no right angles.
The Eden Project maintains an onsite 'seed bank' for conservation purposes.
The Eden Project is a large-scale environmental complex located in a reclaimed china clay pit in Cornwall. It consists of two massive biomes containing the world's largest indoor rainforest and a Mediterranean biome. The structure is formed by hexagonal and pentagonal ETFE plastic cells supported by a space-frame steel geodesic dome system. The site functions as a global educational charity focused on ecological sustainability and climate change. It features extensive outdoor botanical gardens representing temperate climates. The visitor center and biomes are connected by a sunken path that winds through the quarry floor. It hosts seasonal events, including ice skating in winter and live music performances. The site is actively involved in geothermal energy research, utilizing heat from deep wells beneath the grounds.
The viewing platform at the top of the path between the two biomes, providing a panoramic view of the entire pit and geodesic structures.
Wear layers, as the humidity and temperature inside the Rainforest Biome contrast significantly with the outdoor gardens.
Book time slots online in advance, as entry is capacity-controlled even during non-peak periods.
Download the site map before arriving, as mobile connectivity can be inconsistent within the deep quarry pit.
Trying to see every corner of the outdoor gardens on your first visit without prioritizing the biomes, as the terrain is much steeper than it appears.
Open daily year-round, except for occasional maintenance closures in early January.
Walking shoes are essential due to steep inclines on the quarry paths; photography is permitted, but avoid using tripods in narrow walkways.
