The new Montreal Insectarium will reopen its doors on April 13, 2022, after three years of closure for major renovations. Through our archives, discover the history of this unique museum dedicated to insects.
On February 9, 1990, when the venue opened, the show magazine edition is interested in the first museum in North America entirely dedicated to entomology.
On the site, journalist Sylvie Perron showcased the Insectarium collection. The latter includes insects from around the world organized in an interactive way, including installations that display surprising data. For those who are afraid or hate insects, the journalist makes sure that a complete tour of the exhibition allows you to get along with these tiny creatures.
The Montreal Insectarium has 350,000 insect specimens. Of this number, 250,000 came from the personal collection of Quebec entomologist Georges Brossard. It is also to this great insect lover that we owe the foundation of this museum dedicated for entomology.
The passion and courage of Georges Brossard
For ten years, the self-taught entomologist has traveled the planet in search of the most diverse creatures. He thus assembled the largest private collection of insects in the world, a collection he donated to the Montreal Insectarium.
The show Discovery on November 10, 1991, a portrait of Georges Brossard was painted.
With his impressive collection in his pocket, the notary who became entomologist devoted all his energy to designing the museum for the glory of insects.
” Collections like that, so beautiful, so prestigious, cannot be owned by just one man. “
By opening his collection to the general public, Georges Brossard wants to give it an educational mission. His clear vision and contagious desire succeeded in convincing the City of Montreal to establish an insectarium.
In this interview with journalist Mario Masson, Georges Brossard explained the importance of insects for the ecology of the planet.
” They are the greatest drainer in human service! “
Only 1% of insects, he explains, are considered harmful to humans. The Montreal Insectarium allows us to better understand their role and, in the eyes of its founder, to rehabilitate them.
Georges Brossard participated in all stages of museum creation. He dreamed of a temple, a monument specially built for them. A successful bet: with its playful and educational character, the Montreal Insectarium has been a great success since it opened.
In this interview on February 5, 2010, Georges Brossard reviewed the first 20 years of the Montreal Insectarium with journalist Michel Rochon.
After one in Montreal, Georges Brossard designed large insectariums in Shanghai, China and New Orleans, Louisiana. They admire the beauty, size and vocation of the Montreal Insectariumhe says about these international contracts.
” Me, I network with insects! “
Across the country, insect enthusiasts also continue to build insectariums that fulfill a mission that is both tourist and educational. However, the Montreal Insectarium remains the most charismatic in the eyes of Georges Brossard. He was the most emotional for mehe said in this interview.
” An insectarium is associated with nature, environment, ecology, conservation, science, research, culture, education! “
In Georges Brossard’s opinion, the insectarium is a high-quality recreational activity that continues to arouse enthusiasm over time. As proof, the Montreal Insectarium has attracted 500,000 visitors per year for the past 20 years.
At the time of its 30th anniversary, in 2019, the museum temporarily closed its doors for change. In the spring of 2022, visitors to the Montreal Insectarium will discover a space whose surface will be 68% larger than before and the collection is in line with Georges Brossard’s vision.
Source: Radio-Canada
