The Millennium Dome: A Visual Tour Inside the 2000 Exhibition

Some buildings stand out as iconic symbols of their time, and one such landmark, etched into London’s skyline, is the Millennium Dome. In January 2000, as a postgraduate student at University College London, I visited this celebratory exhibition. Armed with a camera and a sense of curiosity, I was eager to discover the wonders inside the Millennium Dome. So, join me on this visual tour inside the Dome’s themed zones and relive a significant moment in British history. Whether you remember the 2000 exhibition or missed the chance to see it in person, these rare photos will evoke nostalgia or spark your curiosity.

What Was the Millennium Dome?

The Millennium Dome was a large-scale exhibition space to celebrate the third millennium. It hosted the Millennium Experience—a year-long exhibition showcasing Britain’s optimism and hope for the future. Located on the Greenwich Peninsula, the Dome symbolised the UK’s forward-looking spirit for the 21st Century. Ironically, during my visit, dark clouds loomed over the massive white Dome (see Figure 1)—a metaphor for the challenges it would later face. But stepping inside the Millennium Dome revealed an awe-inspiring vision of the future.

The Dome’s Grand Scale and Design

Architecturally, the Dome is undeniably an impressive feat of engineering. With a diameter of 365 metres, representing the days of the year, and a height of 52 meters, symbolising the weeks, it was held up by 12 towering yellow masts (see Figure 2)—each representing a month of the year. This futuristic design by Tim Pyne, which resembled a spaceship, further emphasised the Dome’s connection to time, perfectly fitting its role in celebrating the past, present and future. Consequently, for many visitors, entering the Millennium Dome felt like being transported through different ages.

The Millennium Experience: A Celebration of Past, Present and Future

Opening on 1 January 2000, the Millennium Experience offered visitors an immersive journey through 14 themed exhibition zones, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of life—”Who We Are” (e.g., Body, Faith, Mind and Self-Portrait), “What We Do” (e.g., Work, Learning, Rest, Play, Talk, Money and Journey), and “Where We Live” (e.g., Shared Ground, Living Island and Home Planet). These zones, which filled the Dome’s vast interior space, showcased advancements in science, technology, culture, the environment and society—designed to inspire and engage visitors (see Figures 3 & 4). During my visit, I captured many exhibits with my Pentaz MZ-50 camera and Konica Centuria 200 colour film, bringing them to life in the images below.

Attractions Inside the Millennium Dome: “Who We Are”

“Who We Are” focused on exploring British identity, diversity and the human experience at the turn of the third millennium. The zones included, for example, Body, Faith, Mind and Self-Portrait.

Body: Exploring Human Biology and the Future of Health

Firstly, the Body Zone (sponsored by Boots and supported by L’Oréal and Roche) was one of the most thought-provoking spaces inside the Dome, featuring a towering structure shaped like two reclining human figures covered in shimmering tiles (see Figure 5). Inside, visitors could walk through the body, exploring the wonders of human biology. For example, a giant beating model of a human heart showed how much power our blood vessels need to keep pumping (see Figure 6). Plus, model brains performed a comedic dance routine, expressing the power of human emotions (see Figure 7). Beyond biology, visitors were also encouraged to reflect on lifestyle and health, exploring choices that would shape our bodies in the future.

Mind: Exploring Perceptions and Illusions

Next, the Mind Zone (sponsored by BAE Systems and Marconi) delved into the complexities of human perceptions and illusions. Multimedia installations and interactive exhibits invited visitors to explore how the mind processes information and plays tricks on us. For example, areas explored included ‘Intelligence’, ‘Perception and illusion’, ‘Language’ and the ‘Potential of the Mind’. Strangely, I didn’t take any photos of this zone—an ironic oversight, considering I was studying neuroscience.

Faith: Reflecting on Life’s Journey

The Faith Zone (made possible by donations from trusts and organisations associated with various faiths) explored life’s journey—from birth to death—through the lens of nine world faiths (see Figures 8 & 9). This contemplative space inspired visitors to pause and reflect on pivotal life moments. Photo stories on nine pillars illustrated key life experiences from the perspective of each faith, such as Birth, Initiation, Family, Alive & Wonder, Learning, Death, Awakening, Marriage and Community.

Self-Portrait: Celebrating British Diversity

Meanwhile, the Self-Portrait Zone (sponsored by Marks & Spencer) showcased British identity at the dawn of the third millennium. Over 400 images of Britishness surrounded the space (see Figure 10), each chosen in response to the question: “What one thing best represents Britain to you—something you would like to carry into the future?” Inside, renowned political cartoonist Gerald Scarfe offered a critical perspective on the national identity, countering the more celebratory elements in other zones. His sculptures tackled cultural issues like racism and football hooliganism while satirising society’s obsession with television.

For example, The Thug (see Figure 11) strikingly depicts a pot-bellied figure covered in graffiti with a large, spiky boot as a head. An accompanying description read: “From football hooligan to road rage, this sculpture exposes the violence lurking beneath the fragile surface of civilisation.”

Additionally, The Couch Potato (see Figure 12) portrays a passive television viewer engrossed in his chair. It asks: “How many of us lazily sit in front of the TV, absorbing low-quality culture? This man has been so immersed in his armchair, with his beer and remote control, that the furniture seems to be swallowing him.”

Attractions Inside the Millennium Dome: “What We Do”

“What We Do” showcased British achievements, innovation and the evolving nature of work and industry at the turn of the third millennium. The zones included, for example, Work, Learning, Rest, Play, Talk, Money and Journey.

Work: Skills for the 21st Century

The Work Zone (sponsored by Manpower) focused on six essential skills for success in the modern workforce: Communication, Numeracy, Problem-Solving, IT, Hand-Eye Coordination and Teamwork (see Figures 13 & 14). It challenged the idea of a “job for life”, warning against lifelong boredom and emphasising the importance of continuous skill development. A standout exhibit was a giant table football game designed to promote teamwork (see Figure 15)—a key skill for success in the 21st Century.

Learning: Education for Life’s Goals

Nearby, the Learning Zone (sponsored by Tesco) stressed that learning continues beyond school and college, especially in a changing job market where adaptability is key. This larger-than-life zone (see Figure 16) comprised three immersive sections recreating school life. For example, 1) A Giant School Corridor, complete with authentic sights, sounds and smells. 2) A School Hall featuring The Magic Seed, a BBC-commissioned film exploring how learning transforms lives. Plus, 3) The Infinite Orchard, capturing visitors’ images and placing them centre-stage in an interactive experience. Overall, this zone showcased new ways of learning and highlighted education’s role in achieving life goals.

Rest: Finding Calm Within the Millennium Dome

The Rest Zone provided a tranquil space for visitors to relax, offering a peaceful retreat from the lively energy of the other areas. This smoothly curved, rainbow-coloured space emphasised the importance of slowing down, featuring soothing lights, calming sounds and refreshing scents. Plus, the musical composition Longplayer looped continuously, with no two moments ever the same.

Play: Discovering the Joy of Recreation

The Play Zone showcased the evolving nature of play, from sports to leisure, music to arts, and hobbies to games. It featured 17 different interactive games for children and adults, encouraging engagement with various aspects of play. The zone aimed to highlight how play has changed while emphasising its role in creativity, learning and social interaction—elements that today’s social media-absorbed society increasingly overlooks. In an age where social media dominates, the Play Zone highlighted the lost value of real-world play in sparking creativity, problem-solving and genuine social connection.

Talk: The Future of Communication

Additionally, the Talk Zone (Sponsored by BT) explored the human value of communication—our most common activity—and how new technologies enhance information and knowledge sharing (see Figure 17). Interactive exhibits demonstrated how communication shapes relationships, society and culture. In addition, a timeline at the entrance traced communication from 4000 BC to the present, from smoke signals to the Internet. The upper level showcased future innovations, including videophones and an ‘intelligent’ pen that converted handwriting into text or speech. Moreover, a live talk show used satellite links to connect visitors with some of the most remote places on Earth.

Money: Exploring Wealth and Spending

Money makes the world go round! Thus, the Money Zone (sponsored by the City of London) explored society’s fascination with spending and the value of money (see Figure 18). It featured a striking display of £1 million in £50 notes, encased behind glass panels (the ‘million-pound corridor’ [see Figure 19]). Inside, visitors used a gold ‘spend’ card to experience the challenge of spending a fortune in under a minute—while considering the impact if everyone did the same! Visuals illustrated world events and how financial markets respond to an unpredictable world. In short, interactive exhibits demonstrated how money functions in the global economy.

Journey: Evolution of Travel in the Millennium Dome

Lastly, the Journey Zone (sponsored by Ford [see Figure 20]) explored the evolution of travel from ancient methods to futuristic concepts. Attractions included technological milestones such as the steam engine (Figure 21) and the hot air balloon (Figure 22). Plus, it speculated on the future of travel across land, water and air, including innovations like high-speed trains, advanced footwear, and space travel.

Attractions Inside the Millennium Dome: “Where We Live”

“Where We Live” focused on how people lived in the UK at the turn of the third millennium. The zones included, for instance, Shared Ground, Living Island and Home Planet.

Shared Ground: Celebrating Community and Belonging Inside the Dome

Firstly, Shared Ground (sponsored by Camelot Group plc) explored the role of neighbourhood and community in modern life. Made from recycled cardboard, it symbolised sustainability and shared responsibility. It also celebrated the richness of British life by showcasing the contributions of diverse communities to the nation’s identity. Exhibits emphasised understanding, tolerance and cooperation as key to a cohesive society. At the centre, a time capsule allowed visitors to record their thoughts and reflections on their experience in the Dome.

Living Island: Seaside & Sustainability Within the Dome

Next, Living Island captured the charm of traditional British seaside resorts while promoting environmental conservation. Visitors entered the zone through the “Tunnel of Love” (Figure 23), setting a playful, welcoming tone. Inside, it featured a picture-postcard seascape with a sand and pebble beach. Moreover, cheeky seaside postcards with environmental themes highlighted how our collective actions impact the planet.

Home Planet: Exploring Earth & Beyond From Inside the Dome

Finally, Home Planet (sponsored by British Airways and BAA) highlighted Earth’s uniqueness and our place in the universe. A seven-minute ride took visitors on a simulated journey through outer and inner space, guided by animated aliens Gaia and Max (see Figure 24). Nearby, a giant 12-metre Earth model floated above the Dome’s floor as a landmark to help visitors orient themselves (see Figure 25).

Other Attractions Inside the Millennium Dome

Besides the 14 themed zones, other attractions inside the Millennium Dome reinforced its central theme—celebrating the third millennium and envisioning Britain’s future for society, technology, culture and the environment. Other attractions inside the Dome included, for example, Our Town Stage, Skyscape, The Millennium Show and Timekeepers of the Millennium.

Our Town Stage

Sponsored by McDonald’s, Our Town Stage (see Figure 26) invited communities across the UK to create millennial celebrations of their own. Coordinated by local authorities and libraries, it showcased local culture and creativity. The space featured a pink outer structure suspended from the Dome’s roof. In addition, jugglers and acrobats performed throughout the Dome, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Skyscape

Hosted by Sky Television, Skyscape was a futuristic entertainment venue. By day, it screened British short-film comedies, including Blackadder. By night, it hosted ticketed events such as film premieres, award ceremonies, live comedy, dance, opera and concerts—much like the O2 Arena today.

The Millennium Show

The Millennium Show was the centrepiece of the Dome’s performance space, a massive live spectacle celebrating the turn of the new millennium (see Figures 27 & 28). The show was co-created by singer/songwriter Peter Gabriel, with a story inspired by Romeo and Juliet. The show featured a dynamic mix of music, dance, aerial acts and storytelling. Notably, aerial gymnasts across the UK delivered breathtaking performances daily throughout 2000.

Timekeepers of the Millennium

Another popular attraction was the Timekeepers of the Millennium (see Figure 29), which explored the concept of time, both as a physical measurement and as a subjective experience. This interactive attraction and play area featured alien characters Coggs and Sprinx, who kept the wheel of time turning. Visitors entered through a Stonehenge-themed gateway into a space filled with historical artefacts, including Da Vinci’s flying bicycle. What’s more, it was the first immersive experience in the UK to utilise new technology from the US.

Controversy and Criticism: The Millennium Dome’s Legacy

Despite its bold vision, the Millennium Dome faced significant criticism, particularly regarding its cost and unclear long-term purpose. For example, the “Cool Britannia” branding campaign (see Figure 30) failed to connect with the public, presenting a London-centric view that ignored regional identities and concerns. Critics also argued that it abandoned traditional British imagery, favouring trendy, countercultural themes. In addition, a 1999 British Council survey revealed that the UK was still seen internationally as a traditional society rather than a modern one, which didn’t help.

From the Millennium Dome to The O2 Arena

Despite criticisms, Mori polls afterwards revealed that 90% of the 6 million visitors enjoyed their experience, highlighting its positive impact despite the challenges. After closing on 31 December 2000, the Dome underwent several transformations, including its 2007 reinvention as The O2 Arena. However, as a world-class entertainment venue hosting major artists, The Dome fulfilled its original aspiration of becoming a shared space for all. Today, the O2 is widely known for its concerts, overshadowing the Millennium Dome’s original cultural significance.

Reflecting on the Millennium Dome’s Impact

Looking back, the Millennium Dome encapsulated the UK’s aspirations at the turn of the 21st Century. It’s undeniably an architectural wonder and a symbol of progress, representing a distinct moment in British history. Furthermore, its futuristic design and innovative engineering still spark the public’s imagination, solidifying its status as a cultural landmark. What’s more interesting is that our memories of the Dome—good or bad—have become a lasting part of our national identity, uniting us for years to come.

Explore More Photos from Inside the Millennium Dome

Finally, relive the magic of the Millennium Dome exhibition in 2000 through these additional photos of the attractions inside. Whether you visited the Dome or are discovering it for the first time, I hope these images inspire and delight you!

Did you enjoy this article? Don’t forget to like, share and leave your thoughts in the comments below. Did you ever visit the Millennium Dome exhibition? Share your memories!