In 1960, architecture visionary Buckminster Fuller (he of the geodesic dome) moved to the college town of Carbondale, IL. There, he built the only dome he’d ever live in and the only home he’d ever own. He lived in it for 12 years. After several years as a rental property, it is now a historic landmark. And, for the past 10 years, has seen a MAJOR renovation. See it here.

More info: fullerdomehome.com

The “Bucky Dome” (as it’s called) was built in one day. Here it is at the end of that one day, April 20, 1960

Fuller (right) was on site during the construction

The finished dome

Despite the best efforts of later owners and tenants, the Dome began to decay… And it got shingled and painted. This is c. 1976

By the time the preservation began, c. 1999, decay was evident inside too

A pole helped keep up the ceiling

The interior walls had to be reattached

As it looked from the outside

This is the Dome’s front door, then

After over 10 years of work, this is the front door now

The Dome today!

And inside!

Today, the same group that restored the dome is working to build an interpretation center right across the street so visitors can get the most out of this visit to this remarkable artifact.

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