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As the only museum entirely dedicated to the environment in North America, the Biosphere's mission is to raise citizen awareness, action, and engagement on significant environmental issues.
Housing the United States pavilion during the Expo 67 world's fair, this architectural masterpiece was designed by noted American architect Buckminster Fuller. The Biosphère is a unique and spectacular site, located in the heart of Montreal at Parc Jean-Drapeau.
Visit its educational exhibitions to get a better understanding of major environmental issues: air, water, biodiversity, climate change, sustainable development, and much more.
You can also take part in its animated activities and special events to learn about the solutions available to you in daily life to protect the environment.
Header Photo credit: © The Biosphere, Environment Museum (ECCC).
Closed for an indefinite period
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Biosphere is closed until further notice. We will soon announce the day of our reopening as well as the sanitary measures that will be in place to welcome you.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Adults | $15 |
Seniors (65 years and over) | $12 |
Students (18 years and over) | $10 |
17 years and under | Free |
Covid-19 - Event canceled in 2021.
Covid-19 - Event canceled in 2021.
Several discounts are offered to visitors, check the website of the Biosphère, Environment Museum, to know all the details.
Montréal, an innovative, dynamic, culturally rich and festive metropolis, is facing major challenges. Thanks to an interactive model of the city, you can become the mayor of Montréal for a few minutes. Snowstorms, daily traffic jams, international events and environmental projects - will you succeed in managing this urban ecosystem and its many surprises?
"Everything was good in '67!" Fifty million people passed through the turnstiles of the World Expo and 800 unique buildings were erected for the occasion to embellish the Montréal landscape. Fifty years later, Echo 67 looks back at the environmental and cultural legacy of this international fair. Pictures, testimonials and artifacts from the era will awaken memories in older visitors and inspire younger ones.
What are the key principles to design a human-scale neighbourhood in 50 years' time? Find inspiration in outstanding Canadian and international projects. Each one responds to current social and environmental issues. Each one makes happiness and quality of life top priorities.
The weather is the topic of choice for breaking the ice in a conversation, but do we really understand the science behind it? Discover many different aspects of the weather, the unpredictable planetary phenomena that it creates and the role of today's meteorologists.
Immerse yourself in nature and discover how future technologies draw their inspiration from the natural world in order to fight climate change. This immersive show, presented on a 360-degree panoramic screen, will take you on a sensory journey back to your childhood memories.
Let the researcher in you come alive! The Biosphere needs your help! Which is worse: air or water pollution? Use the interactive and modern laboratory to test your hypothesis.
Temporarily closed for renovations
For 50 years, the global temperature on Earth has climbed nearly one degree. So, what difference does + 1oC make? Scientists answer this and other questions about climate change. You will also see natural climatic and meteorological phenomena on a giant interactive globe of the Earth.
We live in a consumer society with unlimited needs, but limited resources. Do we have a backup planet to support this lifestyle? If not, do we have a plan B? Learn about the man who designed the Biosphere's geodesic dome, Richard Buckminster Fuller, and his vision for the future.
Look ahead to the next 50 years! Montréal changed. Architects share their visions to reuse major infrastructures. Together, they have dreamed up an attractive and vibrant metropolis. Each project is a + for society and a + for the environment. Their solutions will inspire you!
From coast to coast to coast, Canada boasts the longest coastline in the world, connecting the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans. This exhibition of giant photographs highlights the richness and beauty of Canada's fragile and little known marine environments.
Construction work close to the museum, spring 2021
On either side of the Canada/US border, water both separates and unites the two nations. The protection and conservation of these aquatic ecosystems has resulted in successful collaboration. Discover the importance and beauty of these transboundary waters through this temporary photo exhibit.
Temporarily closed for renovations
There is now, in the heart of the Museum, a garden representing three Canadian ecosystems: a pond, a peat bog and a forest.
In addition to becoming familiar with the ecosystem dynamics and some twenty plant species that grow in the garden, visitors can have fun identifying, using their tracks, the animals that live in these ecosystems.
The garden is not accessible during winter.
Visitors of the Museum will now be able to admire a huge wall covered with plants, a work inspired by the seasons.
The Killer Net by British artist and social designer Adriano Souras bears witness to a disturbing reality: the world's oceans of plastic that throw marine ecosystems out of balance and unsettle our collective psyche. Made up of 9 000 abandoned plastic straws, Souras' installation is presented in the Biosphere's lobby.
The illumination of the Biosphere is inspired by the colour palette of the Canadian Shield and its boreal forest, which experience some of the most dramatic changes of any landscape on Earth.
And naturally, the lighting changes with each season. At sunset, the colours begin to change slowly, transforming the Biosphere into one of the largest illuminated architectural landmarks around. All year long, on the hour, a series of flashes momentarily draws the eye to the building.
Global warming or climate change? These two closely related phenomena are still not well understood. This presentation will demystify these issues of global importance. You will learn about the consequences of global warming and climate change. Creative, proactive steps that citizens and communities can take to adapt to climate change and mitigate their effects will also be presented.
The global population is growing. Our cities are becoming more and more crowed which leads to several challenges. For example, our communities need to find innovative ways to adapt to climate change. This presentation places the eco-citizen at the heart of best practices that develop resilience and sustainability in our communities. We present inspiring solutions that encourage the public to act positively on their living environment.
Nature has healing powers for humans, thanks to the many benefits it provides. When we become disconnected from nature, we develop nature deficit disorder, which can have negative impacts on our physical and psychological health and our relationships with our families and the environment. This presentation, which will be given in the Biosphere's indoor garden, will make you think about your daily dose of "vitamin N": are you getting enough?
Not held during winter.
Come discover the biodiversity of île Sainte-Hélène through a series of outdoor activities. You'll be surprised and awed by the tiny treasures and discoveries that abound.
Not held during winter.
Developed by the Biosphere, Environment Museum and its partners, the BioKits will allow you to learn more about the environment, wildlife and plant life on your next outings. The BioKit also has some fun and educational activities for you to enjoy.
There are BioKits specific to the Montreal areas and also for many regions and cities of the country, as well as for the Trans-Canada Trail!
Here are a few photos of the Biosphere as well as its exhibitions and activities, to give you a taste of what awaits you.
Discover the 14 photos of the album!
The Biosphere is 25 years old! It was on June 5, 1995, that the museum launched its very first programming. To highlight the occasion, a few words from Éric Vachon, director of the museum, and from the scientist, astrophysicist, author and environmentalist Hubert Reeves who was present when the Biosphere opened!
April 12, 2021
The museum will join the Space for Life museum complex — a service of the City of Montreal — whose scientific, educational, cultural and social missions correspond to the activities of the Biosphere...
To obtain more details concerning the exhibitions, the activities or for any request for information, do not hesitate to contact the Biosphere staff.
To make it easier to get around, here is the exact location of the Biosphere at Parc Jean-Drapeau posted on Google Maps.
The Jean-Drapeau subway station is located on Île Sainte-Hélène, in the heart of Parc Jean-Drapeau. To get to the Parc easily and quickly, the subway is still the best way to go!
During the summer season, Parc Jean-Drapeau visitors can use the river shuttle as a means of transportation, from the Vieux-Port de Montréal (Jacques-Cartier pier) and the city of Longueuil.
Users can also bring along their bikes and they have access to a network of cycling paths at each stop.
Covid-19 - The river shuttle service will not be operational for the 2021 summer season.
Two STM shuttles provide a connection between the Jean-Drapeau subway station and various attractions.
During the summer season, the 767 shuttle stops at Jean-Doré Beach and the La Ronde amusement park.
Every day of the year, the 777 shuttle provides fast access to the Casino de Montréal.
Parc Jean-Drapeau is part of the Trans Canada Trail and the Route verte and is one of the few places where you can cross the Saint Lawrence River on your bike.
From Montréal: take the Lachine Canal bike path, near the Vieux-Port de Montréal, or the Jacques Cartier Bridge multipurpose Path.
From the South Shore: take the Bike Link or the Jacques Cartier Bridge multipurpose Path.
There are many BIXI stations at the Parc during the summer season.
People can enjoy many of the cycling paths to get to or pass through the Parc Jean-Drapeau, either running or walking.
With more than 25 kilometres of trails and pathways, the Parc is a pleasant spot for hiking, all year round.
Motorists can get to Parc Jean-Drapeau by taking the Jacques Cartier Bridge or the Concorde Bridge.
Nearby parking areas: P10, P11
You can reserve a taxi for your travels at the Parc by using a valid STM transport fare (ticket or OPUS card).
September 3 to June 23 | |
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Monday to Sunday | 6:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. |
You need to reserve 45-to-60 minutes beforehand whenever you want to use this service : 514 273-6331 or online form
Métro Jean-Drapeau, Athletes' Quarters, La Ronde, Stewart Museum, Espace Paddock, Pavillon du Canada, Pavillon des Services and Pavillon de la Tunisie.