Montreal Biodome Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Montreal Biodome
Biodôme de Montréal
View from the tower of the Olympic Stadium
Date opened	April 1976 (Velodrome) June 19, 1992 (Biodome)
Location	4777, avenue Pierre-de Coubertin 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 (in French: Biodôme de Montréal) is a unique place in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is located at Olympic Park. Here, visitors can walk through amazing replicas of four different ecosystems found in the Americas.

The building itself has an interesting history. It was first built for the 1976 Olympic Games. Back then, it was a velodrome, a special track for bicycle racing. It also hosted judo events. In 1989, work began to change the building. The indoor nature exhibit, the Biodome, finally opened in 1992.

The Montreal Biodome is part of a larger group of science museums called Space for Life. This is the biggest natural science museum complex in Canada. Space for Life also includes the Montreal Insectarium, the Montreal Botanical Garden, and the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium. The Biodome is also a recognized member of important zoo and aquarium groups. These include the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA).

History of the Biodome Building
Exploring the Ecosystems
Recent Renovations
Gallery
Images for kids
See also

History of the Biodome Building

The building was designed by a French architect named Roger Taillibert. It was part of his bigger plan for the Olympic Park. This plan also included the Montreal Olympic Stadium and the Olympic pool. The building was first used as a combined velodrome (for cycling) and judo facility. Construction started in August 1973, and it opened in April 1976.

In 1988, experts studied if the velodrome could become a biodome. Construction to change it began in 1989. The Montreal Biodome then opened its doors to the public on June 18, 1992.

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

Exploring the Ecosystems

The Biodome lets you explore four amazing ecosystems. These are all found in the Americas:

The Tropical Forest is like the warm, wet rainforests of South America.
The Laurentian Forest is a copy of the wild forests found in North America.
The Saint Lawrence Marine Eco-system shows an estuary habitat. It is based on the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
The Sub-Polar Region is a cold habitat. It is split into Arctic and Antarctic areas.

All these exhibits are inside the building that was once the Olympic velodrome. Each of the four environments takes up a part of the old stadium. Many different animals live in these simulated habitats. You can see macaws in the Tropical Forest. There are also lynx in the Laurentian Forest. You can find penguins in the Antarctic area. Different kinds of fish live in the Saint Lawrence River waters.

Scientists have even discovered new species living in the Biodome! In 1996, a tiny creature called Copidognathus biodomus was found in the simulated estuary. In 2003, a new type of bacterium called Nitratireductor aquibiodomus was found in the water recycling system.

Recent Renovations

In October 2015, plans were announced for big renovations. Both the Biodome and the Insectarium were set to close. The goal was to give them a fresh new look. This was part of Montreal's 375th anniversary celebrations.

However, the renovation project faced some delays. The Biodome finally closed for renovations on April 2, 2018. The reopening date was moved back several times. This was due to a lack of supplies and specialized workers. The COVID-19 pandemic caused even more delays. The Biodome happily reopened to the public on August 31, 2020.