Grand Opening of the Montreal Insectarium

Espace pour la vie is proud to announce the grand opening of the new Montréal Insectarium on April 13. The public will finally be able to admire the remarkable metamorphosis of this museum dedicated to insects and their appreciation. The result of an international architectural competition, the Insectarium will be the first museum in North America where it will be possible to observe so many species of insects—live (including some roaming freely) and naturalized—through a completely renewed museological approach aimed at transforming and enhancing the public’s relationship with insects. Among the hundreds of species on display in the museum are butterflies that have never been shown to the public before, flying freely all year round! In an environment where science and beauty converge, the naturalized collection will be on display like nowhere else in the world. Another unique fact in North America: in addition to the thousands of free-flying butterflies, visitors will get to see and contemplate many other species of insects roaming freely.

A renewed museology integrated into the architecture
Inspired by biophilic design, the Insectarium team has completely revamped its museological approach to help change the relationship between humans and insects and to promote their appreciation, thus developing “entomophilia”* among the public.

*The definition of the word entomophilia refers to “the process of pollination in which pollen is transmitted by insects”. In the context of the new Insectarium, its architecture and museology inspired by biophilia, we give this term a new meaning to express the notion of entomophilia in the sense of love, respect and appreciation of insects.

Visitors will get to perceive their environment at the same level as the insects by immersing themselves in their fascinating realm and, in the process, change the way they look at these magnificent living beings. A totally new experience awaits all visitors, young and old, who will come to meet the insects in their own world.

The Insectarium’s integrated, translucent and green architecture
The new Insectarium’s architecture literally makes the building disappear, giving way to nature and its interpretation. The glass architecture becomes an integral part of the botanical garden and leaves room for a large number of views of its landscapes. It is also based on a partly underground tour route inspired by insects’ habitat.

Aiming for LEED Gold certification, the metamorphosed Insectarium incorporates energy-efficient building features. These include the use of geothermal energy, natural light combined with LED lighting, durable materials, efficient temperature controls, responsible water management, operable windows and a huge garden for pollinators.

Tickets – To experience the new Insectarium, visitors will need to choose a set time for their visit when they book their tickets.

The new Montréal Insectarium will offer a completely new visitor experience and access will be priced in the same way as all other Espace pour la vie museums. The new Espace pour la vie Passport is a great way to get unlimited access to all five museums year-round.

Espace pour la vie
Montréal Space for Life is made up of the Biodôme, the Biosphère, the Insectarium, the Jardin botanique and the Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan. These five prestigious institutions form Canada’s largest natural science museum complex. Together, they are launching a daring, creative urban movement, encouraging all of us to rethink the connection between humankind and nature and cultivate a new way of living.