Biosphère

The Montreal Biosphère is one of Canada’s most well recognized buildings, its image often used in travel guides and catalogues. The Biosphère is a museum dedicated to water, air, climate change and the environment, allowing visitors to gain a fascinating glimpse into the way these elements interact and affect our lives. Originally serving as a building for the United States Pavilion in the World Exhibition of 1967, the Biosphère was finally converted into an environment museum in 1990 by Environment Canada.

History

After the 1967 World Exhibition, the US government donated the sphere to the city of Montreal and the building housed several exhibits and hosted recreational activities now and then. The Biosphère underwent structural renovations nine years later, during which time a fire broke out and burnt its acrylic bubble - leaving only the steel lattice. The Biosphère lay untouched for many years until the building was purchased by Environment Canada for $17.5 million, and plans were made to turn it into an interactive museum. In 1995, the Montreal Biosphère was officially inaugurated and has seen millions of visitors pass through its doors since then.

Things to do at the Biosphère

Visiting the Montreal Biosphère means more than just a trip to a museum. This is a hands on experience that allows visitors to understand the elements of our environment in one of the most realistic and innovative ways ever thought up. Permanent and changing exhibitions ensure that visitors are always kept entertained and that anyone, of any age, can learn to appreciate the world we live in.

Some of the most interesting exhibitions at the Biosphère include:

The Moving Giant Exhibition

A hands-on exhibition geared to the 9-14 year old age group, the Moving Giant describes the intricate eco system of the Great Lakes – Saint Lawrence area. The four main zones of the exhibition (Great Lakes, St. Lawrence fluvial section, St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence) are intended to inspire young visitors as they go on an expedition to understand more about the eco system of this region.

Water Wonders

This exhibition offers eight interactive modules for visitors to understand the wonders of the water world. This is definitely a ‘hands-on-and-get-wet!’ type of exhibition, and visitors are strongly advised to bring a spare set of clothing!

Planet Bucky

This exhibition teaches young visitors the concept of sustained development. It showcases inventions by the self taught visionary Richard Buckminster Fuller, as well as other inventions that changed modern life, including solar energy, wind and marine turbines and green architecture.

Wind Turbines

The museum has acquired two giant wind turbines in order to push forward the message of renewable energy sources. Visitors get a first hand glimpse at these aero generators and gain a deeper understanding into the way they work.

Biosphère

While the purpose of the Montreal Biosphère is to raise awareness about the environment among youngsters, the museum nevertheless makes a fascinating place to visit for people of all ages. Its unique construction and hands on exhibitions ensure that this is one museum that visitors will never forget.

Location:
Biosphère
160, Chemin Tour-de-l'Isle
Sainte-Hélène Island
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Phone: (514)-283-5000

Click here to visit Biosphère official website.