The Beautiful Dome installation turned Science World’s 17-storey geodesic dome into a 360-degree recreation of the 2026 World Cup’s official match ball, through the installation of 131 custom coloured panels
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Farewell Science World soccer ball, hello recycled patio umbrella.
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The Beautiful Dome installation turned Science World’s 17-storey geodesic dome into a 360-degree recreation of the Adidas Trionda, the 2026 World Cup’s official match ball, through the installation of 131 custom-coloured panels.
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Now some of those panels, being dismantled this week, are being recycled into products, including patio umbrellas, duffel bags and totes.
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“The Beautiful Dome changed the way people saw Science World this summer, not only as a landmark, but as a canvas for science, sport and imagination,” said Brian Radburn, interim president and CEO of Science World. “By preserving some of the panels and transforming others into useful new objects, we are extending the story of this extraordinary project.”
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Sunrise
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Some panels will be donated as a legacy initiative to Science World, B.C. Place, the B.C. Soccer Association, Canada Soccer, the province, the Museum of Vancouver, and Destination Vancouver.
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The rest of the panels will be repurposed into The Beautiful Dome 2026 Collection, which went on sale Friday morning through Science World’s online store.
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Items include nearly three-metre-diameter patio umbrellas (24 available at $799.95 each); 50-litre sports duffel bags (100 available, $349.95); reusable shopping totes (250 available, $49.95); or a full-sized, unmodified panel (10 available, $999.95). Each item comes in a variation of the red, green and blue design but there is no ability to pick a specific colour.
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Each item will carry a distinct part of the design, making every piece a “unique limited edition,” meaning final products will likely look a bit different in colour or composition.
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The collection serves as a fundraiser with net proceeds going toward Science World programming.
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And though the panels were removed starting last Tuesday, the timeline for the items to arrive is six to eight weeks. Shipping is only available in Canada or pickup from Science World can be arranged.
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The dome was designed and installed by The Look Company, an Ontario-based firm with international experience creating innovative display projects. The company will also oversee the transformation of the panels into the umbrellas and bags.
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The massive installation soon became a hot spot for visitors, social media enthusiasts, Cup attendees and international media.
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No final cost has been made public, the project was funded by Destination Vancouver, which isn’t taxpayer-funded, the Vancouver Hotel Destination Association, plus $150,000 from the B.C. government.
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With files from Dan Fumano
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