Biosphère, Environment Museum

At first glance, you might think that the large, seemingly empty sphere in the middle of Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Sainte-Hélène was just another piece of public art. Take a closer look and you’ll see that this spectacular dome is actually a unique site dedicated to environmental action and education.  

Originally the United States Pavilion at Expo 67 built by Richard Buckminster Fuller, American engineer, architect, and futurist who developed the geodesic dome, the Biosphère has since become an iconic architectural landmark and environment museum. Through stimulating exhibitions and scientific events, the Biosphère addresses major environmental issues related to water, air, climate change, severe weather, and sustainable development.

In addition to its informative and interactive exhibits, the Biosphère offers several guided activities designed to help connect with nature, increase understanding of major environmental issues, and to encourage people to live as eco-citizens.

But the Biosphère holds even more surprises! An initiative to mark Montréal’s 375^th anniversary, Canada’s 150^th and the Expo’s 50^th anniversary, the Biosphère was outfitted with a striking, energy-efficient lighting display: come nightfall, the dome lights up, its colours changing with the seasons, and will continue to do so until 2037.