A Journey Inside Epic Systems’ Mythical and Sprawling Campus, a World Away from Wall Street
When people think of epic tech campuses, Silicon Valley might first come to mind. But nestled among the lush, rolling fields of Verona, Wisconsin, lies a corporate wonderland that defies every conventional expectation. Epic’s Systems, the powerhouse behind electronic medical records (EMR) software, has constructed a headquarters that feels more like a fantastical movie set than a place where groundbreaking healthcare technology is built.
From whimsical buildings to underground auditoriums, Epic’s sprawling 1,670-acre campus isn’t just a workplace—it’s an immersive world, one that mirrors the imagination of science fiction and fantasy lovers, right in the heart of the Midwest.
Let’s take a deep dive into this surreal ecosystem where medicine meets magic.
What Is Epic’s Systems?
Epic Systems Corporation is a leading healthcare software company that develops electronic health record (EHR) software used by hospitals, clinics, and medical groups. As of today, its products help store and manage the health data of over 280 million people in the U.S. alone.
Founded in 1979 by Judy Faulkner, a computer programmer with a mathematics background, Global has grown into one of the largest privately held tech companies in the country. With annual revenues close to $5 billion and a workforce of over 14,000 employees, the company maintains its independence by following strict internal policies—including never going public or accepting outside investment.
But it’s not just Epic’s business model or technology that makes it stand out—it’s the mind-bending design of its headquarters.
A Town Transformed: Why Verona, Wisconsin?
With a population of just under 17,000, Verona is a quiet town located roughly 10 miles southwest of Madison, the state capital. It’s hardly the type of place you’d expect to host a multibillion-dollar tech giant.
However, Decision to set up camp in Verona is very deliberate. Founder Judy Faulkner has stated that building in Verona is more cost-effective than setting up shop in cities like New York or San Francisco. More importantly, it insulates the company from the distractions of big-city life, creating a focused, serene environment for software development.
This rural backdrop provides a stark contrast to the corporate chaos of Wall Street—and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Welcome to Wonderland: Themed Buildings and Whimsical Designs
One of the most enchanting aspects of campus is its series of 28 themed buildings, each part of different mini-campuses:
- Wizards Academy Campus
- Central Park Campus
- Prairie Campus
- Storybook Campus
- Farm Campus
Each building is a visual feast. One might look like an emerald castle inspired by The Wizard of Oz, complete with a winding yellow brick road. Another resembles a chocolate factory with giant chocolate chips as its entrance. At the Storybook Campus, visitors can find buildings named “Mystery” and “Castaway,” evoking tales of Sherlock Holmes and nautical adventures.
Even the conference room furniture is tailored to match each building’s theme—no detail is too small.
A Campus Designed to Spark Imagination
From suits of armor to full-sized carousels, the Epic campus is filled with surprises. But this isn’t just for show. According to Faulkner, these imaginative elements are designed to attract top talent, inspire creativity, and provide a comfortable, engaging environment for innovation.
Most buildings are just three stories tall, encouraging face-to-face collaboration. Private offices are available to employees who need quiet focus time, and meeting rooms are scattered throughout the complex for spontaneous brainstorming.
Epic’s Unique Culture: The Ten Commandments
Epic’s culture is governed by what the company calls its Ten Commandments. The most prominent?
- Do not go public.
- Do not be acquired.
Epic operates without a preset annual budget, has made zero acquisitions, and has never taken venture capital funding. This self-sufficient model allows the company to focus entirely on product development and customer needs—free from shareholder demands.
It’s an approach that has helped Epic grow organically, yet substantially, placing it in direct competition with other EHR giants like Cerner, which was acquired by Oracle for over $28 billion in 2022.
The Underground World: Deep Space and Beyond
Most jaw-dropping architectural feature is hidden below ground. Welcome to Deep Space, the company’s massive underground auditorium.
Here’s what makes it so incredible:
- Seats over 11,000 people
- No interior pillars—a remarkable engineering feat
- Accessible through six descending levels: Sky, Grass, Dirt, Rock, Magma, and Core
- Decor inspired by “The Lord of the Rings,” complete with “Precious” written in glowing red letters on the wall
This space hosts monthly all-hands meetings, complete with project presentations, grammar lessons, and industry discussions.
Underground tunnels and enclosed skyways connect buildings, allowing employees to move between them without braving Wisconsin’s icy winters.
A Sci-Fi Dream for Software Developers
Employees are avid science fiction readers, and the campus pays homage to that.
Some highlights:
- A cafeteria named “42”, referencing The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
- The Wizards Academy complete with a replica King’s Cross Station and giant chessboard
- A Hobbit-like dining area tucked into a hillside
Employees can ride cow-print bicycles, have meetings in treehouses, or escape into a rabbit hole slide between tasks. The entire environment is tailored to stimulate creativity and joy.
Real-World Responsibility: Epic’s Role in Healthcare
Though the campus feels like a fantasyland, Epic is responsible for mission-critical technology in healthcare. Its software is used by doctors, nurses, and administrators to manage patient records, streamline hospital operations, and provide better care.
However, the company has faced criticism for being slow to support interoperability, the ability for different systems to share medical data. Critics argue that this hinders efficiency across the healthcare system.
Even Oracle took a jab at Epic, saying Judy Faulkner is the “single biggest obstacle to EHR interoperability.
The Rise of AI and Cosmos
Epic is also embracing generative AI with new tools added to its Cosmos platform, a de-identified dataset derived from millions of patient records.
These AI capabilities aim to help clinicians:
- Cross-reference medical history
- Predict treatment outcomes
- Improve diagnostics
At this year’s Users Group Meeting, Epic presented AI demos showing real-time patient analysis using Cosmos data. According to Seth Hain, SVP of Research and Development, these features could be widely available within a few years.
The Users Group Meeting: An Industry Spectacle
Every year, thousands of executives and healthcare professionals visit the Epic campus for its Users Group Meeting. It’s part trade show, part corporate theatre.
This year’s theme was “Storytime”, and true to form, CEO Judy Faulkner took the stage dressed as a swan—feathers and all. The event included:
- Product unveilings
- Strategic announcements
- Campus tours
- Elaborate presentations with tech demos
It’s a unique blend of showmanship and substance, perfectly capturing Epic’s unusual but effective corporate ethos.
Future Forward: What’s Next for Epic?
Epic is currently constructing a new fantasy-inspired campus on its existing land. Themed after Game of Thrones and Star Wars, this extension will add even more magical realism to the company’s headquarters.
Cranes on the site are already adorned with giant kites, soaring like dragons above the rooftops. The expansion reflects Epic’s continuing ambition to grow—not through acquisitions or IPOs, but by doing things its own way.
Conclusion: Epic’s Magical Mission
In a tech industry dominated by quarterly earnings, aggressive fundraising, and rapid acquisitions, Epic Systems stands in stark contrast. From its storybook buildings to its commitment to remain private and independent, the company is building a legacy that blends imagination with impact.
Though surrounded by castles, trains, and fantasy decor, the work happening at Epic’s campus is very real—and very important. It’s shaping the future of healthcare, one line of code at a time.
For professionals in the medical field and curious minds alike, Epic’s story is not just epic in name—it’s epic in every sense of the word.
✅ Pros and Cons of Epic Systems’ Campus and Corporate Culture
Pros:
- Innovative and Inspirational Architecture
Themed buildings and fantastical designs create an inspiring and enjoyable work environment that boosts creativity and employee engagement. - Focus on Productivity and Wellness
Individual offices, underground tunnels, and unique workspaces like treehouses promote both comfort and productivity. - Strong Company Values
Epic remains privately held and true to its core values—avoiding public offerings or acquisitions—allowing long-term vision without investor pressure. - Unique Work Culture
From grammar lessons to sci-fi themes and “Deep Space” meetings, Epic fosters a distinct internal culture centered on storytelling, quality, and collaboration. - Massive Industry Influence
With software supporting 280+ million medical records, Epic plays a vital role in the U.S. healthcare system. - Active Use of Emerging Tech
The Cosmos AI platform and integration of generative AI show Epic is forward-thinking and investing in future healthcare innovations.
Cons:
- Limited Transparency
As a private company, Epic is not subject to the same disclosures as public firms, which can limit external accountability. - Resistance to Interoperability
Critics argue Epic has historically been slow in supporting open data exchange, limiting collaboration across healthcare systems. - Rigid Internal Systems
Strict internal structures and commandments might limit external partnerships or faster evolution in response to market changes. - Remote Work Limitations
Despite modern trends, most Epic employees are required to be on-site, potentially narrowing talent acquisition in an increasingly remote-first world. - Secluded Location
While quiet and distraction-free, Verona’s location may not appeal to everyone, especially those used to urban tech hubs.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What does Epic Systems do?
A: Epic develops electronic health record (EHR) software used by hospitals and clinics to manage patient data and healthcare operations.
Q2: Why is Epic Systems’ campus so unique?
A: Each building is themed—Wizard Academy, Storybook Campus, and more—designed to stimulate creativity, promote fun, and encourage productivity.
Q3: Is Epic Systems a public company?
A: No, Epic is privately owned and has never taken outside investment. One of its guiding principles is “do not go public.”
Q4: What is Deep Space at Epic?
A: It’s an underground auditorium seating 11,400 employees, where company-wide meetings and presentations take place monthly.
Q5: What’s the significance of the company’s address?
A: Located at 1979 Milky Way, the address nods to the year Epic was founded and founder Judy Faulkner’s love of space and sci-fi themes.
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