Biosphere, Montreal

Don't confuse this with the Biodome. The Biosphere is located in the geodesic dome designed by Buckminster Fuller to serve as the American Pavilion for Expo '67. A fire destroyed the acrylic skin of the sphere in 1976. In 1995 it was converted to have four exhibition areas, a theater, and an amphitheater, all devoted to promoting awareness of the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes ecosystem. Multimedia shows and hands-on displays invite the active participation of visitors, and there is an exhibition related to the activities of the ocean explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau. In the highest point of Visions Hall is an observation level with an unobstructed view of the river.

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A leftover from an American exhibit at the 1967 Montreal World's fair, this has been converted into a museum of water. The Museum is small and kind of lame but the attraction here are the views from inside the sphere

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Built for the 1967 worlds fair by Buckminster Fuller. Or as I call it, the Museum of Water.

This is kind of how water is affected and affects everything around it, especially as related to the St Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes. Lots of interactive modules that are kind of fun. Take the One tonne Challenge, figure out if heat affets carbond dioxide and the greenhouse effect. See a movie on water in the world, hosted by the head of the UN…can’t remember his name right now.

There’s a pretty cool view from the 4th floor where you can go outside and see the dome built around the museum. The guides, especially Leah, are very helpful and take their water knowledge very seriously.

You’ll spend 1 –3 hours here.

Included in the museum pass, otherwise probably not worth the $20 or so admission fee.

Built for Expo '67, this huge dome is dedicated to bringing awareness to the issues relating to the St. Lawrence River system.

It wasn't open when I was there, but I liked how it looked. It was built in 1967. Now, it's a museum dedicated to water - particularly the St. Lawrence river and Great Lakes.