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: 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 4.3 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating I finally got around to coming here. I’d always hear about it from many people. Luckily as a resident of Montreal o received the discount. Honestly I was underwhelmed because I expected more. Not that what they had wasn’t interesting because it was but I thought there was much more to it. The outside deck however was very cool! For me that was worth the price of admission. 👍😎
Yodaman Solo - 3 months ago

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4 Star Rating Cool! I mean, a giant geodesic dome dedicated to the environment. That's awesome. The exhibits are fascinating, especially if you're into nature and that kind of stuff. They've got this whole thing going on about water, which is super important, and they explain it in a way that's not boring at all. Plus, the dome itself is just wild to look at. It's a great place to chill out and learn something new simultaneously. It's worth a visit.
Raed - 4 months ago

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4 Star Rating Definitely you like this place. Something new, never ever seen the different view of night and day like heaven experience. If you get good summer weather then you love the scooter and bicycles ride as well. Take it for a while and enjoy whole place for a life 😍🥳🤩
Nigam Bamroliya - 2 months ago

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2 Star Rating 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 - 4 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating The Biosphère de Montréal, located at Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Sainte-Hélène in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is an environmental museum designed to raise awareness about ecological issues and sustainable development. Here are the key details about the Biosphère: Overview — History: The Biosphère was originally constructed as the United States pavilion for Expo 67, a world's fair held in Montreal. It was designed by the renowned architect Buckminster Fuller and is notable for its geodesic dome structure. The pavilion became a national museum dedicated to the environment after Expo 67, officially opening as the Biosphere in Structure — Architecture: The Biosphère features a distinctive geodesic dome made up of 8,000 steel rods and 16,000 aluminum panels. The dome is one of the largest of its kind and symbolizes the interconnectedness of life and the environment. — Renovations: The building underwent significant renovations in the 1990s to transform it into a modern museum space, including the installation of a state-of-the-art exhibition area. Exhibits and Features — Exhibitions: The Biosphère hosts a variety of interactive exhibits and immersive installations focused on environmental issues, sustainability, and the relationship between humans and the planet. Topics covered may include climate change, biodiversity, pollution, and innovative solutions for sustainable living. — Workshops and Activities: The museum also offers educational programs, workshops, guided tours, and special events aimed at engaging visitors of all ages, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship. — Outdoor Activities: The surrounding park area provides green spaces, walking trails, and views of the Montreal skyline and the St. Lawrence River, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities. Why It Is Famous — Architectural Wonder: The Biosphère is celebrated for its unique and striking architectural design, which represents an innovative approach to construction and reflects Buckminster Fuller’s vision of using geometry to create structures that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. — Historical Significance: As a remnant from Expo 67, one of the most successful world's fairs, the Biosphère holds historical significance as a symbol of the optimism and forward-thinking of the 1960s regarding international cooperation and environmental awareness. — Environmental Education: It serves as a critical educational platform, raising awareness about environmental challenges and inspiring actions towards sustainability. The museum’s focus on the environment resonates strongly in a world increasingly concerned about climate change and ecological preservation. — Cultural Hub: The Biosphère is part of Montreal's cultural landscape, attracting tourists and locals alike. It often collaborates with artists, scientists, and environmentalists to create engaging and thought-provoking exhibits and programs. Visiting Information — Location: Situated on Île Sainte-Hélène, easily accessible via metro and public transport. — Hours: It operates year-round, though hours may vary seasonally. — Admission: Admission fees and guided tour options may vary. In conclusion, the Biosphère de Montréal is not just a museum; it is a unique blend of art, architecture, and education dedicated to our planet's future, making it a landmark of Montreal and an important hub for environmental advocacy.
shamsan alammari - 2 months 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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