FAQs About the Annual Monolithic Dome Research Park Tour

Every year, around the third Saturday in October, the Monolithic Dome Institute hosts an tour of our Research Park in Italy, Texas. We open our doors to the public, providing an opportunity to examine a wide variety of domes in use as offices, meeting spaces, homes, machine shops, storages, and our famous Texas-Italian caterpillar shaped manufacturing plant, Bruco.

The highlight of the tour for most folks are the Monolithic Dome homes available for tour located adjacent to the Research Park property. Typically, four or five homes are on the tour and we have our Dome Design team available by appointment.

When is the tour?

Typically the third Saturday of October, but it can vary. Please refer to the Events page for exact dates and times.

What does it cost?

The Annual Dome Tour is free and open to the public.

What is the Monolithic Dome Research Park?

The Research Park is the headquarters of Monolithic and the Monolithic Dome Institute. Established in 1990, the Monolithic Dome Research Park is where we research, refine and improve the Monolithic Dome and related technologies. It’s where we developed our business model for dome studio apartment rentals. It’s also where we design and manufacture Airforms and other fabric structures. In addition, we host bi-annual Monolithic Domebuilders Workshops here. Adjacent to the Research Park are privately-owned Monolithic Dome homes.

What domes can I tour?

There are over 70 Monolithic and Ecoshell domes on the property including offices, classrooms, shops, garages, storages, and Bruco: The Texas Italian Caterpillar manufacturing plant. In addition, there are several nearby Monolithic Dome homes. Visitors begin the tour at our main office where we provide tour maps and general information.

What types of domes will I see?

All sorts of shapes, sizes, openings, and connections. The Research Park is where we experiment with new ideas and technologies. Every dome, even the shops, has a story to tell with different dimenions, styles, surfaces—inside and out. Staff members are on hand througout the property to answer questions.

What homes are open for tour?

There are usually four to five Monolithic Dome homes open. Each home demonstrates different layouts, dome designs, and interiors. The sizes range from single dome to multi-dome structures. Please remember, these are private residences and we are grateful to everyone willing and able to open the doors to their homes.

Who is on site to talk about domes?

Most of the staff at Monolithic will be there to answer questions. Tour and general construction information is provided at the first stop on the tour—the main office . Visitors are encouraged to watch the short video playing in the lobby which illustrates how Monolithic Domes are built.

Who can I talk to about my dome design ideas?

Many visitors to the tour come armed with dome dreams. We encourage all attendees to take notes and lots of pictures. Staff will be posted at every stop on the tour to answer questions. Our designer will be on site for brief one-on-one discussions of dome designs and plans. We allot 30 minute slots with breaks in between. If you want to schedule a timeslot, please call +1 (972) 438-7423 during the weeks and months leading up to the tour so we can secure your spot. There will be a sign-up sheet onsite if there are any remaining appointment times available the day of the tour.

Where is the Monolithic Dome Research Park?

The Research Park an hour south of Dallas, Texas, right smack dab in the middle of the US. The address is 177 Dome Park Place, Italy, TX 76651. Here are links for Google Maps, Apple Maps, and OpenStreetMap.

Can I fly in to visit?

Yes, of course. We recommend flying to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport or Dallas Love Field. If you need a hotel, there are excellent accommodations in Waxahachie, Texas.

Where can I stay?

We recommend staying in Waxahachie which is about 20 minutes north of Italy and 30-40 minutes south of DFW Airport. There are excellent hotels and online rentals like AirBNB or VBRO.

Can I bring my pet?

Service animals only.

What about food?

We serve refreshments and beverages on the property. There are several fast food restaraunts closeby, and two Mexican restaurants in Italy.

What about other activies?

We always try to come up with something interesting to see or do while you are here. It varies from year-to-year.

What about that swag?

We have a small gift shop with T-shirts, Bruco stickers, and other fun dome-related merch.

I’m a content creator, can I go live during the tour?

We welcome all content creators as long as your content stays PG. Bruco, the famous Texas-Italian Caterpillar loves the spotlight! Don’t forget to follow his new TikTok!