Biosphere 2 is one of the largest living laboratories in the world and a monumental feat of engineering. Located near Oracle, Arizona, it is an airtight greenhouse covering 3.15 acres with a volume of 7.2 million cubic feet. Within Biosphere 2 there are several different land types, or biomes, which researchers use to experiment on Earth systems on a relatively large scale. These biomes include a rain forest, a one million gallon salt water ocean, a coastal fog desert, and four other wilderness ecosystems. In 1994 Biosphere 2 was converted from a laboratory to test the feasibility of humans living in a closed ecosystem to a large scale ecological laboratory and the Western branch campus of Columbia University in the City of New York.

We invite you to visit this functioning laboratory and see the exhibits on an expertly guided tour or on your own with a self-guided tour. We also offer a special "Under the Glass" tour that takes you into an active laboratory to view important scientific research and the Biosphere 2 control systems up close.

The Biosphere 2 Center campus is situated on 250 acres with beautiful Sonoran Desert landscapes and a park-like atmosphere that is both relaxing and scenic. In total, the Biosphere 2 Center campus is an awesome learning experience with peaceful grounds, a world-class conference center and restaurant facilities that invite rejuvenation.