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

Aerial View of the Biosphere
Aerial View of the Biosphere cc licensed photo by abdallahh

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: Yes

Biosphere Montreal Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 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 4.3 out of 5 Star Rating

3 Star Rating Interesting architecture and a cool concept focused on the environment. The dome itself is impressive, but the exhibits felt a bit limited. Good for a one-time visit if you're nearby, especially if you're into eco-friendly topics. Not a must-see for everyone, but worth a look.
Niraj Baraiya - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating The nature and atmosphere surrounding the area is magnificent. The story behind the structure is fascinating. The whole structure reminds me of the pilot episode of Star Trek The Next Generation with Q. The view is grand and there is a lot to keep you fascinated from the bug section, the water purification lessons, the plants. Highly recommend checking this place out.
Paulo Coelho - a week ago

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5 Star Rating I really wish more people would visit this place. When we were there, the visitor count was surprisingly low, but it’s such an oddly informative space, covering a range of topics you wouldn’t normally come across. It’s clearly designed with kids in mind, full of little interactive gimmicks—like the balls you drop into holes that send information and eventually bring rain. You really have to see it for yourself. The whale sound exhibition and the seal skins were a fantastic touch, adding to the immersive experience. While the view from inside isn’t spectacular, there are plenty of spots where you can use binoculars to take in the surroundings. It’s also great value for families, making it well worth a visit. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised. And, of course, from the outside, it looks like a giant golf ball—what’s not to love? Staff at reception were very encouraging and informative
Leon Hady - 2 months ago

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3 Star Rating This is a nice building but really not worth the price. The entente is very pricey and while the view at the top is nice it isn’t that worth it. The wow factor can already been seen at the base of the sphere. The lobby of the building also had a few free exhibits. The payed option gives you access to the top of the sphere as well as some environmental exhibits but once again aren’t worth the price.
Paul Savvas - a month ago

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4 Star Rating While the building is aesthetically pleasing, I didn't find it to be worth the hefty price tag. The view from the top is nice, but not spectacular enough to justify the cost. You can get a sense of the 'wow factor' from the base of the sphere, and the lobby offers some free exhibits that are just as impressive.
Manan Pandya - 2 weeks ago

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Directions

Metro Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Line 4 - YellowStation Jean-Drapeau2 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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