The Great Vivarium – In harmony with nature!

With more than 3,000 plants of 150 different varieties and bathed in natural light in a lush setting , the Great Vivarium offers an extraordinary immersive experience that is unique in North America.

Over the course of a full year, approximately 175 species of live insects, including free-roaming butterflies (up to 80 species of butterflies at a time), can be observed. Some of these species have never been seen before!

As you make your way forward, you will cross flower beetles, centipedes, Phyllidae and leafcutter ants.

All to awaken your innate connection with nature!

Inside the Alcoves – Senses on alert!

Upon entering the Alcoves —inspired by the habitat of insects—, you will see the world as if you were one yourself!

• To perceive sound like an insect by feeling low-frequency vibrations in the floor;
• To crawl inside tunnels or hide out like an insect, in the many nooks and crannies;
• To cling like an insect to flexible rods that mimic blades of grass;
• To see like an insect thanks to projected ultraviolet effects…

Based on scientific facts, these perceptual experiences in the heart of the underground Alcoves will thrill you. Because putting yourself in someone else’s shoes is the best way to develop empathy!

Tête-à-tête

In evocatively named “Tête-à-tête” booths, experience a direct contact with insects for the first time inside immersive vivariums.

Sneak into one of the six displays to get more intimately acquainted with some of fascinating species exhibited in rotation throughout the year.

Prefer to keep your distance? No problem! Projections on the walls show insects up close, as if they were right there in front of you. And in one of the vivariums... surprise! A camera captures the reactions of the most curious visitors from the insects’ perspective!

The Dome – Pantheon of the Insects

The Dome is a magical place with a nine-meter high cathedral ceiling that houses the naturalized collection of the Montréal Insectarium, 80% of which is new and presented like nowhere else in the world.

Observe some 3,000 specimens!

The top row highlights their beauty in a chromatic arrangement.

The bottom row classifies the insects by evolutionary characteristics: "astonishing legs", "bizarre heads", "gigantic and minuscule".

Bring your cameras!