Espace pour la vie, 5 museums to discover!

Rain or shine, the Biodôme offers a true change of scenery. You can explore five ecosystems where animals and plants live side by side, representing the Americas from the southern tip to the northern reaches. Step into the warm and humid Tropical Rainforest where lush vegetation and colourful wildlife surround you. Cool off in the Laurentian Maple Forest, a classic Quebec landscape that’s home to lynx, beavers and other species. Breathe in the salty air and get a close-up of the rich marine life of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where fish, seabirds and invertebrates thrive. Watch the penguins waddle and dive into the icy cold waters and meet the charming alcids of the Labrador Coast. A memorable experience for all!

A visit to the Insectarium in Montréal is an unforgettable experience. The newly transformed Insectarium offers a different look at the insect world. Meet live insects in their natural environment. In the Alcoves, experience the world as an insect does through interactive exhibits based on scientific facts. In the Dome—an enchanting space with a nine-metre-high cathedral ceiling—some 3,000 preserved specimens are on display, revealing the astonishing beauty and diversity of insects. Step into the lush habitat of the Great Vivarium, where you can see fascinating insects and various butterfly species fluttering around freely. An experience that’s all about the senses, emotions, wonder and discovery!

Ready to embark on a journey through space? Make your way to the Montréal Planétarium! A true leader in its field, this institution has reinvented the planetarium experience with a fresh, innovative approach to astronomy that combines art and science. In its boldly designed building, the Planétarium uses cutting-edge technology to offer an unparalleled experience of the Universe through two immersive theatres. Here a variety of shows are projected onto a 360°dome. Right now, an incredible experience awaits you, blending scientific perspectives with an imagined vision of a not-so-distant world—this is the ROUGE 2100 exhibition, created by Cirque Éloise, which takes you on a five-chapter journey where you can realistically imagine the first human footsteps on Mars in 2100. Plus, the new film Black Holes takes you to unknown horizons with an explanation of the curious phenomenon of black holes. 

This summer, take a break and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at Montréal’s Jardin botanique. This stunning 75-hectare oasis is ranked among the world’s top botanical gardens. Our Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden and First Nations Garden—three outstanding cultural spaces—each put on exhibitions and activities celebrating their rich traditions. Over 15 themed gardens offer a feast for the senses at every turn.
Don’t miss Fleurs impudiques, the season’s signature event. Stroll through the gardens amid the lush blooms, with their mix of bold and subtle colours. Learn through guided activities how these plants attract attention. You can even take part in a collaborative installation, Naked flowers, where you become a creator, celebrating flowers in all their splendour.

Set up in 1995 in the former U.S. pavilion from Expo 67, the Biosphère is a true architectural icon in Montréal. From its splendid location in Parc Jean-Drapeau in the heart of urban nature, the Biosphère explores today’s most pressing environmental issues through art, science and citizen engagement. There are exhibitions, art installations, immersive experiences and films for all ages that invite you to reflect and take action. Plus, you can enjoy spectacular views of downtown Montréal and the St. Lawrence River. It’s just 15 minutes from downtown and steps from the metro.
This summer, catch a North American première at the Biosphère: Transform! Designing the Future of Energy, a thought-provoking exhibition from Germany’s Vitra Design Museum that explores the vital role of design in the energy transition.