The Biosphère's History
The Biosphère, US Pavilion
St. Helen’s Island was enlarged, using landfill, and Île Notre Dame was created next to it, as the site of the 1967 World’s Fair. That same year, the United States Information Agency asked Richard Buckminster Fuller to submit an architectural plan for the country’s Expo '67 pavilion.
1967
As the United States pavilion, the future Biosphère was one of the biggest attractions at the fair. On July 20, the US government donated its pavilion to the City of Montreal, which took official possession on January 31, 1968 at 11:59 pm.
For several years after the World’s Fair, the Biosphère was used for recreational activities and as a public attraction. For a time it housed a unique oasis of plants and birds.
1976
In May, while the building’s structure was being repaired, a fire destroyed the Biosphère’s outer covering. The transparent acrylic skin was never replaced, although the architect, R. Buckminster Fuller, did suggest a way to do so. The City of Montreal banned access to the site.
1990
The Parc des Îles (now renamed Parc Jean Drapeau) management plan was approved. Environment Canada decided to participate in this municipal action plan, which was structured around water, the site’s dominant natural feature.
Environment Canada's Biosphère
On August 9, Environment Canada signed an agreement of $17.5 million with the City of Montreal to convert the Biosphère into a site devoted to eco-action, showcasing, observing and studying water and the Great Lakes--St. Lawrence River ecosystem.Under this agreement, Environment Canada took full responsibility, for 25 years, for the project’s mission and orientation, museological direction and the building’s operation.
1992
Montreal architect Éric Gauthier won an architectural competition and was commissioned to convert the Biosphère’s interior structure in keeping with the original design.
1994
The announcement of the Biosphère’s new role was made on November 14.
June 5, 1995
Environment Canada’s Biosphère was officially opened. It was the country’s first museum on the subject of water, and was dedicated to the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence ecosystem.
1997
The theme of the year’s program was Expo '67, to mark the 30th anniversary of the great event.
1998
The ice storm that struck Quebec in January seriously damaged the Biosphère and obliged it to close for over five months. The theme of the year’s program was the International Year of Oceans.
1999
The Biosphère signed a strategic alliance with the Cousteau team -- a first in North America. The agreement led to joint projects aimed at increasing public awareness of water protection being developed and implemented in Canada.
2000
The year’s theme was Climate Warning !
2001
The year’s theme was H2O Variations.
2005
Environment Canada’s Biosphère marks 10 years of environmental education this year, and is celebrating by renewing its public spaces and youth programs. The new exhibitions, more fun and entertaining than ever, are aimed at visitors ages 5 to 17 and their families.
In addition, the Biosphère is continuing to address Canadians’ concerns about current environmental issues, by including climate change, responsible consumption and sustainable development in its program.
