Biosphere Montreal
The most popular pavilion at the Expo 67 World Fair, today the Biosphere serves as North America's only museum dedicated to the environment
The Biosphere is fascinating as both a renowned Montreal landmark and as a unique museum that will please visitors of all ages. There are a variety of permanent exhibits located both inside and outside this gigantic steel tube dome that will educate on the latest issues surrounding our environment and its many eco-systems.
One of Montreal's most prominent and iconic landmarks, the Biosphere located on Île Sainte-Hélène, was originally designed by the forward thinking architect Richard Buckminster Fuller as the United States Pavilion for the 1967 World's Fair. Constructed of tubular steel this giant geometric dome stands as tall as a 20 storey building. Fuller wanted the structure to be bolted together but the American officials wanted it to be welded. This helped ensure that the structure remained as the legacy that it is today. The frame was covered with tinted transparent acrylic panels.
The Biosphere became the most successful pavilion at the fair with a total of 5.3 million visitors passing through it during the six month Expo. After the fair, the United States government donated the Biosphere to the City of Montreal. It served a variety of functions which included that of a conservatory housing a variety of plants and birds.
In 1976 the Biosphere was engulfed in flames when a welders torch accidentally set fire to the acrylic panels resulting in the complete loss of its covering. After that it sat dormant for about 15 years at which time Environment Canada made an agreement with the City of Montreal to turn it into the environmental Museum it is today. After a major restoration of the steel frame and the design and construction of new interior structures the museum opened to the public in 1995
The Biosphere Today
Since its inauguration in 1995 the Biosphere has built up a wide range of permanent exhibitions as well as hosting a variety of temporary exhibitions which all focus on aspects of our environment and eco-systems. Many exhibits are hands on and children and adults will find the museum both fun and educational.
You should try to include a visit to the Biosphere on your itinerary when you visit Montreal because the admission charges are nominal and you will not be disappointed with its many the exhibits. You can also enjoy some great 360 degree views of the city from inside the dome.
Nearby attraction: Ile Sainte-Helene and Parc Jean-Drapeau
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesBiosphere Montreal Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Address: 160 Chem. du Tour de l'isle, Montréal, QC H3C 4G8, Canada
Phone: (514) 868-3000
Official Website: Biosphere Montreal
Biosphere Montreal Reviews
Rated out of 5
This is the most unique structure we've seen. It looks like a building on Mars or some extraterrestrial planet. There is a cool museum inside, with several art exhibits. But the most amazing thing is still the entire structure. And there is also an interesting exhibit showing how it was designed, built, burnt down, and renovated to its current state.
Michael Wu PhD - 3 months ago
A bit disappointed by the tour as I was hoping for one that gave more insight on the architecture of Expo 67. Instead it was primarily geared towards nature and the environment. Lots of videos of seagulls and their importance.
Paying the $22 fee to enter was the price to get good photographs at the top of the structure, otherwise you’re limited to the first floor. I think they do this intentionally because the tour felt quite pointless.
Also, bring your own food and drink if you do visit. There are no places to eat nearby nor places to grab a drink other than highly marked up vending machines. A water bottle and light snacks is a good idea.
Otherwise, great experience. Monumental structure that dwarfs anyone inside it. The photos are priceless and the isolated site gives beautiful shots no matter the angle.
If you’re in the area definitely give it a visit.
Faris Itum - 5 months ago
One of my favorite parts of Montreal. The biosphere is a great thing to see but definitely don’t skip the museum inside (which is apparently the only environment museum in North America)! The staff is ridiculously kind and the displays are both educational and moving. Kid and adult friendly, lots of interactive and interesting activities!
Miranda Black - 2 months ago
Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 4 - Yellow | Station Jean-Drapeau | 2 Minutes |
How to get to Biosphere Montreal by Metro
By Metro: Take Metro Line 4 to Station Jean-Drapeau and follow the signs for the Biosphere
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Accommodations near Biosphere Montreal:
Photo Gallery
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Approaching the entrance to the Montreal Biosphere cc licensed photo by HBarrison -
Photo Credit: akigabo - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Joe Passe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: MassiveKontent - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: akigabo - cc license via Flickr
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