Since it first opened on 17 March 2001, Eden has become a global leader in environmental and ecological regeneration and inspiration, and this morning (17 March 2026) the birthday celebrations began with an unforgettable performance from a 300‑strong choir, bringing together singers from 16 community groups across Cornwall.
The choir’s uplifting performance featured a specially written song created by Eden people past and present, with the celebration drawn to a close by Cornwall My Home, performed with the song’s original writer, Cornish folk musician Harry Glasson.
A stunning five‑tier, hand‑painted birthday cake featuring motifs from the Eden Project’s 25‑year history – created by award‑winning local cake artist Emily Hankins – was presented to and cut by Eden’s co‑founder, Sir Tim Smit KBE, and chief executive, Andy Jasper, as part of the celebrations.
The moment came as new Impact Report findings highlighted the scale of Eden’s legacy: over the past quarter‑century, the attraction has welcomed more than 25 million visitors and generated £6.8 billion in total economic impact for the South West. It has created and sustained around 700 jobs on average each year across the 25 years, and enabled over one million schoolchildren to experience nature‑based learning.
Sir Tim Smit KBE, co-founder of the Eden Project, said, “Eden has always been a people story and the support we’ve had from so many institutions, organisations, individuals, communities and volunteers who backed this wild dream – gives me goosebumps even now and I hope they feel proud of their part in its creation. What you see here today is the power of collective imagination, made real. To see it makes you dream about what else we could achieve.
“The world today feels a more dangerous place than 25 years ago, and our duty is to commit to spreading the message of possibility far and wide. Eden is a living theatre of plants and people, as well as a shop window into the exciting world coming towards us. Eden is different because we take action and demonstrate rather than just talk. Our ultimate aim is to tell a moving and wonderful story filled with jeopardy and hope. We are of nature made and to harm it wheresoever it is, is to harm ourselves. The great pleasure of today is that in bringing together so many who were responsible for Eden’s creation and being, we remember what moved our younger selves, and it stirs us still!”
Today’s celebrations – which poignantly take place during English Tourism Week, a national moment recognising the industry’s £127 billion contribution to the UK economy – brought together schools, volunteers, early supporters and long‑standing friends. Together they remind us of something simple but profound: when we feel connected to the natural world, we look after each other and the planet better. That belief built Eden – and it’s the belief that will carry us into the next chapter.
Amid the joy, there was also a moment of reflection as two pivotal figures in Eden’s creation were remembered: Sir Ronnie Hampel, its charismatic early Chairman, who passed away two weeks ago, and Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, the visionary architect behind Eden’s iconic design and to whom its enduring legacy will always be forever linked.[NC1]
Since its earliest days, Eden has been defined by bold ambition and innovation. Its world‑famous Biomes – engineered using pioneering techniques and Guinness record‑breaking scaffolding structures – transformed a former industrial clay pit into thriving living ecosystems.
The opening of the Core building in 2005 by HM Queen Elizabeth II, expanded Eden’s educational reach. In 2007, Seed, a 70-tonne seed-shaped sculpture, was created by Peter Randall-Page to sit at the heart of the Core building, symbolising growth, potential and our relationship with the natural world. In 2023, Eden made history again with the UK’s first operational deep geothermal well since 1986 - marking a major step in renewable energy innovation.
Andy Jasper, Chief Executive of the Eden Project, explained, “Through world‑class horticulture, immersive learning programmes, cultural events and a commitment to reconnecting people with the natural world, Eden exists to show how powerful environmental storytelling can inspire real change.
“Over 25 years we have welcomed more than 25 million visitors, supported hundreds of local jobs and introduced over a million schoolchildren to nature‑based learning.
“We’ve weathered landslips, flooding and even a global pandemic, proving our resilience and with communities we continue to thrive and grow.”
With a visitor programme that extends far beyond horticulture, Eden has continued to innovate, using immersive cultural experiences, including live music, to reach new audiences. Through this work, it has become one of the UK’s most distinctive live music venues. In 2026, it will celebrate its 150th Eden Session with what promises to be the biggest line‑up yet. To mark the anniversary, Eden will offer all visitors between 17–24 March the chance to win daily prizes, including tickets to selected Sessions, as well as an ultimate bundle featuring annual passes, dinner at the Mediterranean Terrace restaurant and premium Biome experiences.
Andy said: “Marking 25 years is a proud moment to celebrate everything we have done – but it’s also a moment to look forward. Eden was created to show the power of optimism and collective action. We’re more determined than ever with new exciting projects yet to come!
“Our international efforts – including Oriental Eden in Qingdao, China, which opened in 2025, Eden Project Costa Rica, Eden Project Morecambe and Eden Project Scotland – represent the next chapter in sharing our regenerative vision with the world.
“We’ll continue to lead with knowledge and expand our educational reach by working closely with universities, businesses and research partners to empower and inspire more people to imagine a better future for our planet.”
As Eden celebrates its 25th anniversary, this spirit of innovation is shaping an extraordinary programme for 2026 – a year set to introduce new experiences that inspire, educate and deepen visitors’ connection to the natural world.
The ever‑evolving seasonal programme will feature spectacular horticulture, including planting a new Japanese tree exhibit and adding 130,000 bulbs expected to bloom across the site and wider Estate this spring, along with Eden’s exciting new permanent play installation, the Giant Marble Runs, launching on 28 March as part of the charity’s anniversary celebrations.
Eden will also continue to focus on nature‑based wellbeing from rolling out our National Lottery funded Nature Connections initiative UK wide to offering popular activities such as yoga, parkrun and dance events, encouraging people to come together and strengthen their connection with the natural world.
Andy added, “Come and be part of our next chapter. Whether you're exploring our gardens, seeing your favourite artist play at an Eden Session, taking part in a wellbeing or creative event or simply discovering what we're all about, there's something here for everyone. By visiting or getting involved with our mission, you're helping to shape the future we're building together.”
For more information or to get involved with the Eden Project’s 25th anniversary celebrations, visit www.edenproject.com.
