Eden Project

The Eden Project is an iconic environmental project in the UK. It has three main areas devoted to different types of plant found around the world; The Rainforest Biome, The Mediterranean Biome and the Outdoor Biome. The site includes the world's largest greenhouse. Much of the project, including both greenhouses, is available to navigate through Google Street View.

The project was conceived by Tim Smit and designed by architect Nicholas Grimshaw and engineering firm Anthony Hunt and Associates. The project took 2½ years to construct and opened to the public on 17 March 2001.

The Rainforest Biome emulates a tropical environment. It is used for tropical plants, such as fruiting banana trees, coffee, rubber and giant bamboo, and is kept at a tropical temperature and moisture level.

The Mediterranean Biome is a warm temperate environment. It houses more familiar warm temperate and arid plants such as olives and grape vines and various sculptures.

The Outdoor Biome (which is not covered) represents the temperate regions of the world with plants such as tea, lavender, hops, hemp and sunflowers.

The Core is an education facility, incorporating classrooms and exhibition spaces designed to help communicate Eden's central message about the relationship between people and plants.

The site is also host to musical performances including such artists as Amy Winehouse, James Morrison, Muse, Lily Allen, Snow Patrol, Pulp, Brian Wilson and The Magic Numbers.