Montreal Insectarium – Montreal

“I particularly remember visiting the new Insectarium of the City of Montreal. Visiting this place was a completely new experience for me: a museum visit based solely on creating a feeling.

The Montreal insectarium aims to immerse us in the life of an insect. Upon arrival, we are led down a dark corridor to live as an insect underground. This long, winding, dark path immediately creates a break between the outside world and the inside world of the insectarium. This moment of pause brings a disposition that facilitates the discovery.

At the end of the corridor, a round room offers a view of the beauty of the insect world. A double series of display cases surrounds a circular space. The first one displays a gradation of butterflies that amazes by the range of colors. The second illustrates the diversity of physical characteristics of insects. Then, an ascending corridor brings us back to the light. Under the bright glass roof, the butterflies twirl around.

Thus, touched and amazed by a unique sensitive experience and by the beauty of the natural world, the exhibition-building raises awareness of environmental protection. From ugliness comes beauty. From fear comes enchantment! And architecture is at the heart of this conversation.

What is amazing about this experience is that the architecture does not frame the exhibition. It directly communicates the theme by emphasizing the user’s perspective, experience and senses.” (Booklet Positive Lived Experiences of Quality in the Built Environment 2023, p.80).

Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/BMBzbJJ2B1NJsNWSA