Discover all theAMERICASunder one roof

What will you see at the Insectarium? Live insects, thousands of preserved specimens and hundreds of butterflies among lush vegetation.

As you explore the museum, experiences for all ages invite you to change your perspective and see the insect world up close.

Start your family adventure underground. Make your way down into the Alcoves, a series of underground galleries inspired by insect habitats. Here, you’ll experience the world in a whole new way.

In the Tête-à-Tête space, see live insects up close and discover their shapes, movements and all the tiny details that so often go unnoticed.

A few steps away, take in the Change d’échelle display, where the insect world takes on a whole new scale. Beneath the Dome, 3,000 preserved specimens form a striking mosaic showcasing its diversity.

Finally, step into the Great Vivarium, where hundreds of butterflies fly freely among lush vegetation. Watch them flutter around and enjoy seeing them fly right by you.

Visitors of all ages, welcome to the Insectarium’s world of little wonders.

“A truly magical moment that felt suspended in time! The whole family was amazed. My absolute favourite part was seeing the magnificent blue butterflies flying right by us. An unforgettable visit!”

Want to spend a little more time exploring the Insectarium as a family?

Meet a fascinating insect or other arthropod up close in the heart of the Great Vivarium. With our science educators, let your curiosity take over as you discover what makes it unique.

Sometimes, all it takes is getting a little closer for something that seems strange to become absolutely fascinating.

Practical information

Schedule: every hour, fromt 10 a.m.
Duration: 20 minutes

Did you know that you can go from the tropical rainforest to subpolar landscapes without ever leaving Montréal?

The Biodômerecreates five ecosystems of the Americas under one roof, each with its own climate, vegetation and wildlife.

From the moment you step into the Tropical Rainforest, the change of scenery is striking. Warmth, lush vegetation and wildlife transport you somewhere else entirely. Keep your eyes open: capybaras, tamarins and caimans are among the surprising encounters that await you.

Continue your family visit in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Beneath the surface, spot sturgeons that can grow up to 4.3 metres long. Then, step into a landscape closer to home in the Laurentian Maple Forest, which changes with the seasons.

As you make your way through the Labrador Coast and Sub-Antarctic Islands ecosystems, the things take a decidedly polar turn. This is where you’ll find the Biodôme’s penguins.

“What a wonderful escape! I loved watching the otters play in the water right beside us. The staff are passionate and really take the time to answer your questions.”

Hundreds of species. Five ecosystems. One place to explore.

Exploring the Biodôme’s five ecosystems is quite a journey. Throughout your family visit, various activities, encounters and experiences invite you to discover the living world from a new perspective.

Get a closer look at animal care
With our science educators, watch our animal care technicians in action aand learn how they care for the animals and support their well-being.

Make your way to the Sub-Antarctic Islands at 11 a.m. or 2:45 p.m. for one of the highlights of your museum visit: watch the penguins at feeding time.