Eataly’s Food Theme Park

You know Eataly. The Italian culinary experience exists in nearly every major city. However, the brand kicks its offerings up a notch this fall, when it opens FICO Eataly World, Nov. 15, in Bologna. Described as a “food theme park,” it’s an impressive project, to be sure.

FICO Eataly World partners with 2,000 companies, all representatives of Italian food and drink in some way. Spread out over a total of 20 acres, the grounds include four acres of agricultural land for growing produce one typically associates with Italy, such as olives and grapes, and also for raising indigenous livestock (approximately 200 animals), from cattle to goats.

Then, there’s the 2.5 acres of markets and bottegas, explorable via shopping tricycle. Beyond are 40 workshops turning out artisanal products (from beer to candy to cheese), as well as 25 themed restaurants, taverns and food carts.

There are 10 classrooms, six multimedia areas (also described as “educational rides” and themed around fire, earth, sea, animals, bottled goods and the future) and two miles of educational paths, all dedicated to food, agri-business and sustainability education. The park’s calendar is packed, with around 30 activities each day, and 500 events each year. Plus, there are venues for meetings and conferences.

The best part? The $106 million project, expected to draw as many as 10 million visitors per year and create approximately 3,000 jobs for the region, is completely free for entry.

The released renderings are impressive, to be sure, showing off futuristic and modern landscapes, mixing plant life and chic lighting, sleek architecture and agricultural beds.