Rhys Goes to the Biosphere

It's been years since I've been to the Biosphere so naturally I was very much looking forward to going with Rhys. It's located on Montreal's Ile Ste. Helene a man-made island that was created using the leftover rubble when the metro system was built starting in 1962. The island served to house several of the pavilions from the Man and his World Expo '67. These pavilions weren't build to be permanent so only a few remain. For example, Montreal's Casino was the French pavilion, and Habitat 67 still remains which was an example of modular housing. One of the more well known and popular pavilions that is still standing is the American Pavilion that is now used as the Biosphere, Montreal's Ecomuseum. I thought it would be good to bring Rhys here for him to see the pavilion but also stand on the man-made island and of course to see the museum.

Upon arrival, our luck started when they announced that entrance was free due to a computer malfunction. So we were able to enjoy the pleasures of learning about conservation and wildlife free of charge!

The Biodphere from the outside. Originally, the metal structure had glass in all the "windows".

Rhys filling up the "tea cups" learning about water pumps.

The man who designed the Biosphere, Richard Buckminster Fuller, had several other futuristic designs including this "Urban Utopia".

The inner structure of the Museum within the sphere, and though you are within the sphere it's all in the open air. It gives you a sense of being safe but free...

A view of the casino (the French pavilion) in the center-left of the picture, taken from within the sphere.