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: 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 out of 5
Very underwhelming. The architecture is the most fulfilling part of this museum. Perhaps it was the time of year but it seemed more like they decided that they should do something with the geodesic dome and couldn't think of anything other than a museum but didn't really know how make a museum or what to make a museum for.
Raskuly - a week ago
Visited Montreal from USA on a whim and stopped into the Biodome. Very nice museum with a wide variety of animals and interactive things to look at. Comfortable temperature and very spacious area so crowds are well controlled. The metro station stops directly outside the campus as well. Overall, a great cost friendly way to spend a snowy afternoon indoors when visiting the city of Montreal!
Jasmine Chavis - a week ago
It is a very beautiful place in a big park. A little bit far away but you can arrive by metro quite easilly. The view is worth it. We didnt go inside so I cant give more details.
Ana Pavon - a week 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: Joe Passe - cc license via Flickr
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