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 – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 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
A place definitely geared more towards kids, but still enjoyable nonetheless! My friend and I unfortunately visited at a time where some of the exhibits were closed, but the staff were super kind and honestly the highlight of my trip! Thank you to Louis who helped my friend and I get around, whilst striking up interesting conversation with us as well!
Beatrice Sebastian - a week ago
The Biosphere is a must-visit in Montreal! Housed in a stunning geodesic dome, the museum offers engaging exhibits on sustainability, climate change, and the environment. The views from the site are incredible, and it’s a great spot to learn and explore. Perfect for science and nature enthusiasts!
Ravi Gajera - a week ago
A beautiful, large geodesic structure from Expo 1967 that still holds its own. It now houses a museum on environmental science and climate change. I didn't make it into the museum, but it's worth a trip either way.
Greg Caruso - 2 months ago
The Biosphere is an excellent spot for kids to learn. The view deck inside offers stunning views and a unique experience. While it may not have many exhibits, the windy view deck makes it worth visiting – you'll literally feel like you're inside a biosphere!
Parthip - 2 months ago
If the biosphere’s architecture excited you to visit here please keep in your mind it’s not that interesting inside. May be good learning for kids or teenager but definitely not for adult.
I am visiting here based on the review but I am disappointed after visiting. My 2 stars are only for the architecture.
The top view is fine, architecture from outside looks amazing.
There are in total indoor 6 rooms(small rooms) and one outside garden. I was expected more from biosphere.
There were parking space available.
The entry fee is $23.25 + taxes. Thank god I used Canoe application to enter.
Farhat Jahan - 3 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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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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