“Essential for keeping our ecosystems and our society in balance.” That’s not a line from a nature documentary. It’s the philosophy driving the Montreal Insectarium.
The Montreal Insectarium first opened its doors in 1990. It quickly became North America’s largest insect museum. Now, step inside, and you will find yourself in a world dedicated to insects. It is part of Espace pour la vie. This is Canada’s largest natural sciences museum complex.
In 2019, the Insectarium underwent a massive “Metamorphosis” reconstruction. It was a 38.4 million dollar project. The Insectarium reopened in April 2022. It is now 40 percent larger than before. The Montreal Insectarium is not just a collection of bugs. It is an experience.
As you enter, notice the dark tunnel. It’s designed to make you feel like an insect underground. This leads you into four distinct spaces. They are The Alcoves, Tête-à-Tête, The Dome, and The Great Vivarium.
In The Alcoves, experience the world as an insect does. Feel ground vibrations. See projected ultraviolet visual effects. They mimic an insect’s vision. You can even navigate human-sized blades of grass. It is about thinking like an insect.
The Montreal Insectarium houses over 3,000 species of insects. You will find the Orchid praying mantis, and the Umtali flower beetle. Also, there are about 1,500 free-flying butterflies. The museum also has over 3,000 plants. They represent 150 different varieties.
Georges Brossard founded the Montreal Insectarium. It quickly became a popular tourist attraction. Seen from above, the building resembles a stylized insect. This unique design is even visible from the Olympic Stadium’s observatory.
The Montreal Insectarium is more than just a museum. It is affiliated with the CMA, CHIN, and the Virtual Museum of Canada.
Before your visit, download the Espace pour la vie app. It offers extra content and an identification tool. The Insectarium recommends using a baby carrier or umbrella stroller. Some pathways are narrow and may not suit everyone.
The Montreal Insectarium won the Grand prix d’excellence en architecture. The Ordre des architectes du Québec awarded it in April 2023. In October 2023, it received the Prix Excellence from the Société des musées du Québec.
The Montreal Insectarium is located at 4581 Sherbrooke Street East. The average attendance is 400,000 visitors per year. This includes visitors to the Montreal Botanical Garden.
So, are you ready to see insects in a new light? Step into the Montreal Insectarium. Discover the beauty and importance of these small creatures. It is a unique and unforgettable experience.