After a summer of hosting the FIFA Men’s World Cup for the first time in 2026, Vancouver’s iconic Science World soccer ball is now being taken down from its spot on the False Creek seawall. The massive structure, known as the Beautiful Dome, has been a focal point since June, resembling the official World Cup Trionda ball.
Initially planned for removal after the tournament, the dismantling coincided with the conclusion of the FIFA Museum’s Soccer & Technology Exhibition at Science World, which ran from May 15 to Sept. 7. The 131 PVC panels, each measuring six meters by seven meters, are not being discarded. Instead, they are being repurposed into merchandise items such as shopping totes, duffle bags, and patio umbrellas, available for purchase online with prices ranging from $50 to $1,000.
The Beautiful Dome 2026 Collection quickly sold out, generating approximately $75,000 in revenue. The net proceeds from the sales will support Science World, a charitable organization that relies on commercial activities for funding. A significant portion of the proceeds, around $35,000 to $40,000, will be allocated to STEAM education programs and exhibits.
Some of the panels have been donated to local institutions like the Museum of Vancouver, B.C. Place, and the B.C. Soccer Association. Due to intellectual property concerns, certain panels with branding elements or text, including the Adidas and FIFA logos, were not usable for donations. Despite the prominent branding, neither Adidas nor FIFA contributed financially to the dome’s installation, which was primarily funded by Destination Vancouver, with additional support from Science World, the B.C. government, the City of Vancouver, and the Vancouver Hotel Destination Association.
While the exact funding details remain confidential, the provincial government reportedly contributed $150,000 to the project. The ongoing dismantling process is expected to be completed by the end of the following week, pending weather conditions.