espacepourlavie.ca
ESPACE POUR LA VIE
CARTERBRIDGE
WINTER-SPRING 2023
Espace pour la vie is happy to guide you towards a fuller experience of nature. Within its multisensory spaces, you can experience adventures you won’t find anywhere else, explore the animal and plant kingdoms and discover creative exhibits and interactive shows that will make your visits even more fascinating. Discover the five Espace pour la vie museums: the Biodôme, Biosphère, Insectarium, Jardin botanique and Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan!
BIODÔME
The Biodôme is a living environment that offers a new experience every time you visit! Whether it’s the sloth that decides to get moving, the Laurentian Maple Forest that blooms in the spring, or the penguins that enter molting season, a visit to the Biodôme is never exactly the same.
EXHIBITIONS
Bio-machine
The Bio-machine exhibition area provides a behind-the-scenes view of the Biodôme. Visit 23 interactive
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
BIOSPHÈRE
It’s Time to Act
The It’s Time to Act exhibition showcases positive initiatives in favour of the environment in order to provide concrete examples of what we can do.
Fascinating and useful, the tropical bats
January 1 to April 30
Variable times
The only flying mammal on the planet, the bat is sometimes disliked, but certainly misunderstood. Come and discover the essential ecological role of bats.
Just like in nature!
January 1 to April 30
Variable times • 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ensuring the well-being of our resident animals is a challenge we’re meeting with the Biodôme’s enrichment program! Learn about the different methods we’re using to stimulate the natural behaviours of the Biodôme’s inhabitants.
NEW !
Expedition Biodôme: A search and find in the heart of the ecosystems
February 25 to March 19
Armed with your species identification guide, discover the numerous animal and plant species of the Americas. Are you game to take on the challenge?
A bird’s eye view of the ecosystems
January 14 to February 19:
Saturdays and Sundays
February 25 to March 19:
Tuesday to Sunday (and February 27)
This “seek and find” observation activity is a great way to observe the animals and their habitats from a bird’s eye view.
Giant animals on the move
January 14 to February 19: Saturdays and Sundays
Every hour between 10:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. (except 12:15 p.m.)
Oversized puppets inspired by the Biodôme’s animal species wander through the reception hall. Don’t miss this poetic walk—a waking dream for young and old alike.
Mobile application
Download our mobile application and simplify your visit to the Biodôme or the Insectarium.
A Montréal architectural icon since the 1967 World’s Fair, the Biosphère is a unique site located in the enchanting Parc Jean-Drapeau. The exhibitions, events and art installations combine science, culture and citizen engagement to open up a dialogue on the environment. Curious minds can learn about the major environmental issues of our time and explore ways to address them.
Awaken the eco-citizen in you!
Welcome to the Biosphère
An exhibition that chronicles the history of this unique architectural structure, from its design by Fuller and Sadao for the 1967 World’s Fair to its integration into the extended Espace pour la vie family. You’ll also learn more about the museum’s other exhibitions.
Imagine the Biosphère!
Until May 14
Get involved in the movement and to “imagine” tomorrow’s museum! Tell us which themes you would like to see in the new Biosphere space
where environmental-related citizen initiatives will be on display
Frances Adair McKenzie. The Orchid and the Bee
Until May 14
Nature is wondrous and clever Watch The Orchid and the Bee by Frances Adair McKenzie, an expressionistic ode that pays tribute to the forces of nature through a chain of genetic love affairs.
Animated film produced by the National Film Board of Canada
Guided exploration of Mount Boullé
Until April 30 : Friday, Saturday and Sunday*
In French: 1:30 p.m. In English: 2:30 p.m. Sharpen your sense of observation on a guided walk at Mont Boullé, just over from the Biosphère.
*Including Spring Break from February 27 to March 3.
Ecolab
Channel your inner researcher and learn about environmental science in an interactive lab. On the program: interactive experiences, discovery, inspiration and fun!
Plastisapiens
December 17 to May 14
What is the future of human identity?
Plastisapiens takes you on a soothing and playful virtual reality journey where organic beings and plastic become one.
Bioplastics Tasting Activity
Come taste edible plastic cooked in Miri’s lab on May 13, at 3 p.m.
Visit our website for more details. Plastisapiens is written and directed by Miri Chekhanovich and Édith Jorisch with Dpt. It is produced by Dpt., the National Film Board of Canada and Lalibela Productions.
Story Time
Saturdays and Sundays until May 14 & February 27 to March 3 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Children from 3 to 5 are invited to the reading of a story on the theme of nature and the environment. Let toddlers’ imagination take flight!
Hua Jin. Sometimes we look, sometimes we see
An exhibition of photos taken during the first year of the pandemic that capture the constant change of our environment.
PLANÉTARIUM RIO TINTO ALCAN
A true pioneer in the field, the Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan redefines the very essence of planetariums through its original and innovative approach to astronomy. Enjoy a unique experience of the universe through its immersive theatres, where shows both poetic and scientific are presented. Explore the beauty of space in all its splendour.
SHOWS See detailed schedule for showtimes: espacepourlavie.ca/showtimes-plane
Parents and newborns, 0 to 18 months
Bébé symphonique
Until April 30
Enjoy a unique moment with your baby lulled by the music of the Bébé symphonique album—composed for infants by maestro Simon Leclerc, and performed by the OSM.
Captivating visual choreographies projected under the starlit dome of the planetarium.
Prod.: Prod.: GSI Musique
Young audiences, Ages 4 to 10 Lucia, the secret of shooting stars
Vladimir and James travel into space aboard the Polaris. Hit by a meteorite, they crash and meet Lucia, who is passionate about rocks. Together they set off on a voyage to solve the enigma of meteorites and shooting stars.
Prod.: Planétarium de Saint-Étienne (France)
Polaris
Until February 23
During a trip around the Earth, extended to Mars and Saturn, James, a travelling penguin from the South Pole and Vladimir, a funny bear from the North Pole, discover that the planets have similarities, but also differences!
Prod.: Planétarium de Saint-Étienne (France)
Aboard the SSE-4801
Hop on board SSE-4801 to discover what hides in the outer reaches of our celestial neighbourhood: the solar system. Guided by our spirited host, you’ll soar in orbit for an incredible journey.
Prod.: Espace pour la vie
EXHIBITIONS
NEW! nobELLES
Starting April 1
Thanks to the vandal artist Miss Me, the Planetarium pays tribute to seven women scientists through extraordinary representations. Watch out for the full program on espacepourlavie.ca/en
Spotlight on our meteorites!
Grand public, 7 ans et plus Worlds Beyond Us
Turbulent rings, active volcanoes and buried oceans… Experience an exhilarating adventure through the Solar System to explore the amazingly vibrant worlds that orbit the Sun.
Prod.: American Museum of Natural History
aurōrae
Under the starry sky in Yellowknife, audiences have a front-row seat for the magical spectacle of the aurora borealis, the Northern Lights.
Prod.: Espace pour la vie
NEW!
Worlds of Ice
From the ice floe to the farthest reaches of the universe, Worlds of Ice shows us the astonishing omnipresence of ice in science, culture and art, while also revealing how melting polar ice caps are compromising our climate’s delicate balance. Ice. Precious, and vital.
Prod.:The National Film Board in cooperation with the Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan, Espace pour la vie and the City of Montréal.
Dow Planétarium
The Dow Planétarium is invited to the Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan as part of the 10th anniversary highlighting their transition. About fifteen posters of shows once held at the Dow Planétarium will take you back in time.
Come admire some of the most fascinating specimens from the Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan meteorite collection, one of the largest of its kind in Canada.
JARDIN BOTANIQUE
Founded in 1931 by Brother Marie-Victorin, the Jardin botanique is now renowned worldwide as one of the finest and largest of its kind. Fill up on fresh air and the wonders of nature through its ten exhibition greenhouses and its outdoor gardens spread out over 75 hectares, the latter being accessible free of charge from November 1 to April 30.
Explore the Greenhouses
Whatever the weather, come explore the greenhouses at the Jardin botanique! Take a colourful journey through this beautiful oasis where you can forget the snow and cold outside.
All-terrain scientists
Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre
Did you know that there are research teams busy at work here behind the scenes?
Explore their secrets and find out how they are striving to better understand and care for our living world.
Cross-country skiing
We Are Stars
What are we made of?
Where did the matter that surrounds us come from? We Are Stars offers answers to the greatest questions of all time in an exploratory journey across the Universe. Blast off in search of the secrets and explosive origins of the cosmos and see how life on Earth is linked to the evolution of the Universe itself.
Prod.: NSC Creative
Celestial Chronicles
Beneath the 360° dome along with one of our science guides, enjoy an immersive experience whisking you through time and space.
Prod. : Espace pour la vie
Continuum
From the infinitely small to the infinitely large, a cosmic poem on the connection between humankind and the Universe. A breathtaking movie designed by a pair of internationally acclaimed Montreal artists, Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon.
Prod.: Espace pour la vie
ACTIVITIES
Space Explorers: The ISS Experience
Until February 23
An immersive experience to observe astronauts’ day-to-day routine during their stay at the International Space Station, thanks to the most ambitious production ever filmed in space.
NEW!
Spacewalkers - An episode of Space Explorers
Starting February 24
Experience a historical event: the world’s first-ever spacewalk shot in 360° degrees outside the International Space Station!
Prod.: Felix & Paul Studios et TIME Inc.
NEW!
Starting February 24
Quest for New Skies
Embark on an unprecedented interstellar journey in search of a new planet for humanity. The date is October 28, 3034, and the situation is critical: a group of humans of which you are a part is exploring different planets with various characteristics to choose the most habitable one.
Stay alert—space is full of surprises!
An all-star team of scientific interpreters!
Accompanied by scientific interpreters, observe the sky by telescope, put your knowledge to the test by participating in an astronomical quiz and come explore the Solar System by taking part in one of our activities offered on rotation all day long!
The Aldebaran Project
Robotics activity • Ages 10 and up
Starting April 16 Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m., every 2 weeks (4 workshops)
Put yourself in the shoes of young scientists and robotics experts and build a base camp on Mars using LEGO® Mindstorms®.
INSECTARIUM
The Insectarium contributes to change the way humans see insects in order for them to develop what we call “entomophilia” —the appreciation or valorization of insects. As they make their way through its exhibition spaces, this transformation will take place through a unique immersive visit experience!
ACTIVITIES
Insects Inspire Us… nature’s masterpiece
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Get inspired by insects to create a real or imaginary one, using shrub leaves, twigs or stems!
Garden of Oddness
February 22 to April 30 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Main Exhibition Greenhouse
The Garden of Oddness is the nickname for greenhouse 10 : a mysterious greenhouse within the Jardin botanique. Rumor has it that it includes a top-secret laboratory in which strange plants are studied… What does this research consist of? What botanical secrets do they reveal? Pay this greenhouse a visit to find out!
Montréal’s Jardin botanique invites crosscountry skiers to enjoy their favourite sport on its three kilometres of groomed crosscountry ski trails, naturally! From sunrise to sunset, you can follow the snowy trails that wend through the Arboretum.
Insects Inspire Us... unbridled comic strips!
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m
Let your creativity and imagination run wild in this activity where visitors create a giant comic strip featuring funny and friendly insect characters!
Anne
A special encounter
Every day 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
In the heart of our Great Vivarium, get to know an insect or another unique arthropod. A friendly guide will accompany you in this magic moment. Imagine enjoying the company of insects! This is how ties are formed and a new story begins.
