August 28, 2012 ─While Montréal’s Space for Life represents a commitment to the environment, biodiversity, and sustainable development, bringing together four of the city’s nature museums—the Biodôme, the Insectarium, the Botanical Garden, and the Planetarium—Montréal is also home to the Biosphere, the Ecomuseum Zoo, and the new Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre.
These seven institutions, each possessing an educational mandate, inventively blend the natural sciences, environmental awareness, and entertainment to create high-level recreational experiences. Rallying both young and old, they were designed to convey to the public a wealth of knowledge. The Space for Life invites citizens to participate in a veritable co-creation project leading to a collective—and sustainable—awareness of the importance of nature in our lives, with each visitor leaving as a potential ambassador of environmental protection.
Biodôme
The Biodôme is the only place on earth where, in one single visit, you can experience five typical ecosystems of the Americas: 1,500 plant species and 250 animal species anticipate your arrival. Anaconda, piranha, beaver, porcupine, winter skate, penguin... you'll see all kinds of creatures, and this, in climatic temperatures ranging from 2 to 28°C. What an extraordinary journey!
Insectarium
They each have intriguing, amusing, bizarre, charming, and even terrifying names: Hercules beetle, Pinktoe tarantula, Uropygi, Scarab, Assassin bug, etc. The Insectarium invites you to explore these living beings and their fascinating universe. In addition, you can view a mounted collection of more than 150,000 specimens and enjoy a host of family activities for a truly “insectifying” escapade!
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is where flora creates enchanting landscapes for your senses. With some 22,000 species and cultivars, 30 outdoor theme gardens, 10 exhibition greenhouses, the Tree House, and the arboretum, it offers several interesting delights all year round for experiences rich in scents and colours.
Planetarium
Currently under construction, the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium is scheduled to open in spring 2013. Constructed with a view to obtaining prestigious LEED Platinum certification, the Planetarium includes a range of environmentally friendly criteria, including a green roof on which visitors will be able to walk. With a structure recalling two telescopes pointing to the sky, the Planetarium will house two immersive theatres, an exhibition hall with interactive terminals, and a geology laboratory. Everything has been thought of to offer visitors an unforgettable, interstellar, and green encounter.
Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre
Born of a partnership between the Université de Montréal, the Botanical Garden and the Insectarium, the Biodiversity Centre is dedicated to the conservation, research, preservation, and valorization of plant and animal life. Nature lovers will find a modern museum space offering a tantalizing glimpse into the exciting world of biodiversity.
Biosphere
Under its impressive geodesic dome, a masterpiece of architecture, the Biosphere, Environment Museum raises awareness of major climate issues. Informative and entertaining, its exhibitions and activities educate visitors about the importance of the responsible use of our natural resources in an inspiring venue.
Ecomuseum Zoo
Located in the western part of the city, the Ecomuseum Zoo invites you to a rendez-vous with more than one hundred animal species from the St. Lawrence Valley, including the adorable river otters named Happy and Iamvic. Several vulnerable or endangered species live in this nature site, which is open year round and where each visit offers something different from the previous. Outings to the Ecomuseum Zoo are filled with living discoveries.
