A sequence of pollinator gardens lines the entrance to the Insectarium, on the grounds of Montreal?s Botanical Gardens.
PROJECT Montreal Insectarium, Montreal, Quebec
ARCHITECTS Kuehn Malvezzi / Pelletier De Fontenay / Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architects in consortium
TEXT Olivier Vallerand
PHOTOS James Brittain
If you expect to see traditional displays of pinned insects and scores of vivariums when visiting Montreal?s freshly rebuilt Insectarium, you might be surprised. Similarly, for those looking for a striking architectural object, the experience overturns expectations. Rather than focusing on traditional displays or architectural fireworks, the new building is much more about creating a new type of museum journey?one with memorable spaces and lessons that follow visitors long after their visit. The transformation of the Insectarium resulted from one of three competitions held in 2014 to rethink Montreal?s constellation of nature museums. Founded in 1990 as an addition to the botanical garden, the Insectarium had since grown into one of the world?s largest museums devoted to insects. The competition followed a cultural and scientific project?branded as the Insectarium?s ?metamorphosis??to reimagine the museum?s mission and museological approach, going beyond the simple display of insects. The team selected for the project included Berlin-based Kuehn Malvezzi and Montreal-based Pelletier de Fontenay and Jodoin Lamarre Pratte. For lead design architect Wilfried Kuehn, the co...