Plizio Visual Lab
Montreal Insectarium
The Montreal Insectarium is one of the most significant museums of its kind globally, part of the Espace pour la vie museum complex. Founded in 1990 by Georges Brossard, it is dedicated to educating the public about the fascinating world of insects and their vital ecological roles. Following an extensive multi-year renovation, it reopened in 2022 with a completely reimagined immersive experience that allows visitors to perceive the environment from an insect's perspective. The collection has over 250,000 specimens, including both live insects and preserved exhibits from every continent. The building's architecture is unique, designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding Botanical Garden. The Insectarium aims to foster a greater appreciation for arthropods and to dispel common misconceptions about them. It stands as a leading center for entomological research and environmental education in Canada.
- Location: Canada
- Top sights: Maison Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine · Théâtre Denise-Pelletier · Olympic Park
- Nearby: Terrebonne (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -11 | -10 | -3 | 5 | 13 | 19 | 22 | 21 | 17 | 9 | 1 | -7 |
| Rain mm | 72 | 68 | 76 | 95 | 93 | 109 | 95 | 98 | 88 | 114 | 81 | 98 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The Insectarium officially opened its doors to the public on February 7, 1990.
- It welcomes approximately 400,000 visitors from around the world each year.
- The collection includes over 150 live species, ranging from ants to butterflies.
- Georges Brossard donated his private collection of more than 250,000 items to start it.
- The 2022 redesign incorporates biomimicry to simulate real insect environments.
- The museum is a member of the Canadian Museums Association and is globally recognized.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Montreal Insectarium (14)
Parc Roger-Rousseau🌳 park
Parc Roger-Rousseau is a community park in Montreal's Mercier borough, named after a local politician, with a playground and sports fields.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is there to see?
Is it part of a larger park?
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Can you touch the insects?
Is it scary for children?
Montreal Insectarium: where is it located?
Montreal Insectarium: what is there to see?
Montreal Insectarium: when is the best time to visit?
Montreal Insectarium: why is it worth visiting?

















