All four attractions within the Muséums Nature Montréal (MNM), the largest science museum complex in Canada, are set to benefit from a CA$189m (US$177m, £107m, €120m) redevelopment, funded largely by the city government.
The seven-year project will begin next year, with the site's new Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium scheduled to be completed as part of the first phase in 2012.
The Biodome and Insectarium will receive upgrades, and a new Biodiversity Centre will be created to house both research facilities and a public exhibit looking at the effects of human behaviour on the planet.
Within the centre, a ‘human ecosystem’ will lead visitors on an excursion above the Biodôme's ecosystems. It will be designed as an immersive, moving and hands-on experience helping visitors to better understand the human race's role in nature.
Plans also include a new Nature Museums Esplanade, which will link the four institutions and offer a "new way of getting around, gathering, occupying space, building, and enjoying everyday life". Its design is still in the planning stages, but will be based on public input.
The redevelopment is part of MNM's new business plan, which has been designed to
allow the four museums to increase their combined, total attendance levels from the current 1.65 million visitors to a 2.65 million a year by 2017.
Charles-Mathieu Brunelle, director of MNM, said: "By creating a visitor experience that obliges us to rethink our perceptions of the world, the Nature Museums are hoping to become a regular part of Montrealers' daily lives and a destination for people from around the globe. We are looking to infuse them with a new way of living, to offer a place where the visitor is the hero."
Montréal Mayor Gérald Tremblay, added: "This project is in line with Montréal's characteristic daring and creativity. It will enhance the city's reputation around the world, and confirm its commitment to culture,
knowledge, sustainable development and biodiversity."
The MNM operates four attractions - the Biodome, an insectarium, botanic gardens and a planetarium on the site.
