Greensboro Science Center Builds Biodome

The center is constructing a rainforest-themed biodome as part of its Expedition Rainforest project, with construction underway since early 2026.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Environmental

Wide view of a large dome structure under construction, its roof completed, beside a newly paved parking lot with pines and rolling hills behind. — The Greensboro Science Center is constructing a rainforest-themed Biodome as the centerpiece of its Expedition Rainforest project, with work underway since early 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Greensboro Science Center is building the Greensboro Biodome as the centerpiece of Expedition Rainforest, and has added 137 new parking spaces to its lot. Construction began early this year and the roof of the structure has been completed.

Why it matters

The project expands the center's immersive exhibits in Greensboro, adding a large-scale tropical rainforest environment and new aquatic conservation facilities. The added parking addresses access for visitors to the growing campus.

The planned Biodome will be five stories tall and the length of a football field, with half of its space devoted to South America and half to Asia. Officials have not confirmed beyond projections when the full Expedition Rainforest will open.

The players

Greensboro Science Center

A science museum and zoo in Greensboro, North Carolina, known for its animal exhibits and hands-on science programming.

The details

The Biodome is designed as an immersive tropical rainforest environment and will house sloths, clouded leopards, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Expedition Rainforest will also include the Aquatic Rehabilitation and Conservation Center, located right next to the Biodome.

Early 2026: Biodome construction began.
Next week: Parking lot expansion expected to open.
January: Mermaids expected to appear in the aquarium.
March: Leonardo DaVinci exhibit opens.
Next fall: Expedition Rainforest expected to open, in time for the center's 70th anniversary.

Seasonal Patterns

Expedition Rainforest is timed to open next fall, in time for the Greensboro Science Center's 70th anniversary. The project extends the center's long-term development of large immersive exhibits around that milestone.

Visitors should expect expanded parking at the Greensboro Science Center when the new lot opens next week. The Biodome and Aquatic Rehabilitation and Conservation Center are projected for next fall, so plan visits around the opening timeline.

The takeaway

Expedition Rainforest will add a large tropical rainforest biodome and an aquatic conservation center to Greensboro's science offerings. Readers planning visits should watch for the parking expansion next week and the projected fall opening.

What happens next

Expedition Rainforest is expected to open next fall, in time for the Greensboro Science Center's 70th anniversary. The new parking lot expansion is planned to open next week.