Montreal Biodome Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Montreal Biodome
View from the tower of the Olympic Stadium
Date opened	April 1976 (Velodrome) 19 June 1992 (Biodome)
Location	4777 Pierre-de Coubertin avenue Montreal, Quebec H1V 1B3
Coordinates	45°33′35″N 73°32′59″W / 45.55972°N 73.54972°W / 45.55972; -73.54972
No. of animals	4802 (excluding invertebrates), 1500 Plants
No. of species	229 (excluding invertebrates), 750 Plants
Annual visitors	815,810 (2011)
Memberships	AZA, CAZA

A Canada lynx at the Montreal Biodome.

The Montreal Biodome (called Biodôme de Montréal in French) is a special museum in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It's located in Olympic Park. Here, you can walk through amazing replicas of four different natural environments found in the Americas. It's like taking a trip around the continent without leaving the city!

The Montreal Biodome is one of only two large indoor ecosystem structures in the Western Hemisphere. The other is Biosphere 2 in Tucson, Arizona. But unlike Biosphere 2, the Biodome was built mainly as a museum. It lets visitors explore nature up close.

This unique building was first built for the 1976 Summer Olympics as a velodrome. A velodrome is a stadium for bicycle racing. It also hosted judo events during the Olympics. Later, in 1989, the building started to change. By 1992, it reopened as the indoor nature exhibit we know today.

The Montreal Biodome is part of a bigger group called Space for Life. This is Canada's largest natural science museum complex. It also includes the Montreal Insectarium, Montreal Botanical Garden, and Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium. The Biodome is a recognized member of important zoo and aquarium associations.

From Olympics to Ecosystems
Journey Through Nature's Worlds
Modern Updates and Reopening
Gallery
See also

From Olympics to Ecosystems

The building was designed by a French architect named Roger Taillibert. It was part of his big plan for the Olympic Park. This plan also included the Montreal Olympic Stadium and the Olympic pool. Construction began in 1973, and the building opened in April 1976.

In 1988, people started thinking about turning the velodrome into a biodome. Work began in 1989, and the new facility opened to the public on June 18, 1992. It became the Montreal Biodome we visit today.

In 2003, the Biodome added an audio guide system. This system helps visitors learn more about what they are seeing. It also helps the Biodome understand what visitors find most interesting. You can rent a guide in French, Spanish, or English. There are even special versions for children!

Journey Through Nature's Worlds

The Biodome lets you explore four amazing ecosystems from the Americas. Each one is carefully recreated inside the building.

The Tropical Forest: A Rainforest Adventure

This area is a copy of a South American rainforest. It's warm and humid, just like a real rainforest. You can see colorful macaws flying around.

The Laurentian Forest: North American Wilderness

This exhibit shows you the North American wilderness. It's like walking through a forest in Quebec. Keep an eye out for animals like the Canada lynx.

The Saint Lawrence Marine Ecosystem: Underwater Life

This habitat is like the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. It shows you the amazing creatures that live in this important estuary. You can see many different kinds of fish swimming here.

The Sub-Polar Region: Arctic and Antarctic Wonders

This cool area is divided into two parts: the Arctic and the Antarctic. You can watch playful penguins in their icy home.

Scientists have even discovered new species living in the Biodome! For example, a tiny creature called Copidognathus biodomus was found in the simulated estuary in 1996. A new type of bacterium was also found in the water system in 2003.

Modern Updates and Reopening

In 2015, plans were announced to renovate the Biodome. It closed for these updates on April 2, 2018. The project aimed to make the visitor experience even better.

After some delays, the Biodome finally reopened to the public on August 31, 2020. It now offers a mobile app with cool features. The app uses augmented reality to give you more information about the plants and animals.