The Biosphere, Glass sphere museum in Old Port, Genoa, Italy
The Biosphere is a dome-shaped structure made of glass and steel approximately 20 meters in diameter in Genoa's harbor, housing more than 150 species of tropical plants and animals. The interior space is divided into several sections that represent different tropical environments, from humid forests to water habitats.
The structure was designed and built for the 2001 G8 summit in Genoa based on plans by Italian architect Renzo Piano. Its construction marked a turning point in how museums conveyed environmental education through innovative architecture.
The building demonstrates how architecture and nature work together by housing tropical plants such as rubber trees and coffee plants alongside animals like scarlet ibises. This collection allows visitors to see how different habitats function and relate to one another.
A visit typically lasts between 10 and 20 minutes, so plan your time accordingly. The building sits directly in the harbor and is easily accessible, with plenty of space to walk around nearby.
A sophisticated computer-controlled system regulates tropical conditions inside through convection currents and laminar air flows. This system allows for the creation and maintenance of an isolated tropical forest above the Mediterranean Sea.
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