La Biosphère

Frommer's Review

Not to be confused with the Biodôme de Montréal at Olympic Park, this interactive science facility is located in a 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, and it served no purpose other than as a harbor landmark until 1995. The motivation behind the Biosphère is unabashedly environmentalist, with exhibition areas, a theater, an amphitheater, and, since 2007, two wind turbines, 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 "Planète Bucky" highlights Fuller's forward-thinking inventions for sustainable development. There is a preaching-to-the-choir quality to all this that slips over the edge into zealous philosophizing. But displays and exhibits are put together thoughtfully and will engage and enlighten most visitors, at least for a while. Don't make a special trip, but if you're on the island, stop by.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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