When you visit the Insectarium de Montréal, you plunge into an unknown and fascinating universe
After presenting numerous events, exhibitions and activities since it opened in 1990, and welcoming more than 8.5 million visitors, the Insectarium closed its doors on March 11, 2019, in order to undergo a true metamorphosis before reopening in the spring of 2022.
The first museum in North America where it will be possible to mix with, in addition to butterflies, a number of other live and naturalized insect species (some of the live ones unconfined), the new Insectarium de Montréal, which will have a surface area 40 percent greater than the previous one, will give visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of insects.
Its mission: Develop positive attitudes towards insects and protect the planet’s biodiversity
Like the other institutions of Space for Life, the Insectarium wishes to accompany people to help them understand nature, especially to reconsider their relationship with insects.
“Still too often little known and underestimated, insects are essential for keeping our ecosystems and our society in balance. A sweeping change with regard to the place and the importance of insects in our societies is needed.” – Maxim Larrivée, director of the Insectarium
Entomophilia, emotions and experiences
As they make their way through its exhibition spaces, visitors enjoy an immersive and educational experience that aims to transform the relationship that humans have with insects. The Insectarium also aims to develop in visitors the valorization of insects, meaning an appreciation of them, designated as “entomophilia.”
*The definition of the word entomophilia refers to "the process of pollination in which pollen is transmitted by insects". In the context of the new Insectarium, its architecture and museology inspired by biophilia, we give this term a new meaning to express the notion of entomophilia in the sense of love, respect and appreciation of insects.
In addition, accompanied by passionate and warm facilitators, visitors have the opportunity to get in touch with insects, discover their incredible lifestyles and understand the importance of taking action to protect them.
A dynamic research team
The Insectarium team conducts numerous scientific research projects and collaborates with a network of scientific institutions around the world. Its contribution does not stop there: the museum is also recognized for the development of expertise in the field of insect breeding. In addition, the team’s in-depth knowledge has earned it the honor of acting as a consultant in the application of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) laws.
In addition, the Insectarium recognizes the importance of citizens’ contribution to science and values their involvement. For example, many of its projects rely on the participation of non-scientists in providing essential data for its programs to better understand the diversity of insects and to pilot conservation actions.
When you visit the Insectarium, you’ll plunge into an unknown and fascinating universe. Whatever your age, you’ll be astounded by the incomparable adaptations and surprising behaviour of insects, the champions of nature.