Eden Project Welcomes 25 Millionth Visitor in 25th Anniversary Year

The Eden Project is celebrating a landmark moment today, Thursday 19th February 2026, after welcoming more than 25 million visitors during its 25 years.

The milestone carries added significance as the Cornwall attraction marks its quarter century in 2026, with a programme of new experiences and events planned across the year.

A Special Return To Mark The Moment

To celebrate surpassing 25 million visitors, Eden invited back one of its earliest young visitors, Rosie Johns.

Rosie Johns, who lives in Cornwall, first walked through the gates when Eden opened in 2001. Even before that, she visited aged just nine during the ‘Big Build’ in 2000, wearing an oversized hard hat and high visibility clothing while standing at the edge of what was then a vast construction pit.

A recently rediscovered photograph from that visit captures Rosie as one of the site’s earliest young visitors during the public preview phase, when families were invited to observe the build in progress.

On Thursday, Rosie and her family were welcomed by Co-Founder Sir Tim Smit OBE, CEO Andy Jasper and Dr Jo Elworthy, Eden’s Director of Interpretation, Science and Engagement and one of its first employees. The group reminisced about those early days before Rosie and her family were surprised with lifetime membership and VIP tickets to an Eden Sessions concert of their choice.

A Family Rooted In Environmental Values

Rosie grew up in a family with strong environmental values. Her father, a firefighter with a passion for nature and sustainability, later enrolled in environmental studies with the Open University while continuing to work full time. Her grandfather, who grew up in the Falkland Islands, worked in environmental survey roles and took part in expeditions with the British Antarctic Survey in the 1940s.

Those influences, alongside her childhood visits to Eden, left a lasting impression.

After moving to Cornwall permanently in 2018, Rosie’s professional life began to reflect those early experiences. A former special educational needs teacher specialising in autism, she joined the Sensory Trust, where she now works on projects improving accessibility and inclusion in outdoor environments.

During a later visit to Eden, Rosie noticed accessible visual communication features similar to those she had used in her teaching. Discovering that her organisation had contributed to accessibility work at the site highlighted an unexpected link between her childhood memories and her adult career.

Now raising her own daughter in Cornwall, Rosie continues to visit Eden as part of family life, passing on the environmental awareness that shaped her upbringing.

Andy Jasper, CEO of the Eden Project, said:

“It’s wonderful to connect with Rosie as we celebrate a staggering 25 million visitors to the Eden Project in our momentous 25th year. Rosie’s story is fascinating – stretching from that formative moment overlooking the construction to her work supporting inclusive access to nature. Her moment with us today represents far more than one milestone; it reflects the millions of people who have walked through our gates, returned time and again, or are yet to experience Eden for the first time.

“We are profoundly grateful to every one of the 25 million visitors who have been part of this extraordinary, pioneering journey. As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding our charitable work, growing new projects and spearheading initiatives across the UK and around the world and inspiring even more people to imagine a better future for our planet.”

Rosie said:

“Visiting Eden and standing with my brothers in oversized hard hats at the edge of that enormous construction pit is something we’ve always remembered. Coming back all these years later has been incredibly special. Those early experiences, combined with the environmental values instilled by my family, helped spark my interest in nature and have shaped so much of my life, including the work I do now with the Sensory Trust. I never imagined I’d be part of Eden’s 25 year story, let alone receive such a thoughtful surprise.”

A Busy Half Term Celebration

The celebration took place during a busy February half term day, with live music and families filling the gardens and Biomes. Visitors enjoyed trails and hands-on activities inspired by The Scarecrows’ Wedding by Julia Donaldson.

About The Eden Project

The Eden Project is an educational charity that demonstrates and inspires positive action for the planet. It describes itself as a growing movement of global citizens, reconnecting people with nature, communicating positive change and inspiring action.

All proceeds contribute towards its charitable work in Cornwall, across the UK and around the world. More information about its mission can be found at https://www.edenproject.com/mission.

25 Years Of Growth

Since transforming a former Cornish clay pit into one of the world’s most recognisable regenerative projects 25 years ago, Eden has continued to evolve.

It has hosted world class performances through the Eden Sessions, which this year celebrates its 150th concert and its biggest line up yet. The award winning Rainforest Canopy Walkway opened in 2013, offering aerial views of one of the world’s largest indoor rainforests.

Beyond Cornwall, Eden has brought together around 10 million people nationwide every year since 2009 through The Big Lunch and works in partnership with Anthropy, now in its fourth year, helping to convene national conversations about Britain’s future.

Its work also extends internationally, including restoring tropical dry forest in Costa Rica, creating space for nature in Canary Wharf with Eden Dock and developing further destinations with Eden Project Morecambe and Eden Project Scotland.

Looking Ahead To 2026

As Eden celebrates its 25th anniversary, 2026 will see a programme of new family experiences, evolving seasonal displays and spectacular horticulture, including 130,000 bulbs expected to bloom across the site and wider Estate.

The Eden Sessions will mark their 150th concert with headline performances from Ben Howard, Mika, Wolf Alice and Pixies.

Andy added:

“Marking 25 million visitors is not only a celebration of those who have shaped Eden’s past – it’s a springboard into another year and a special anniversary filled with reasons to return, reconnect and rediscover one of the UK’s most iconic visitor destinations, with some exciting announcements still to come.”

For more information, visit https://www.edenproject.com.