MONTREAL, Feb. 24, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Light is not only a vital source of energy for nature, but also a source of inspiration for the artists collaborating with Montréal Space for Life. Montréal Space for Life is taking inspiration from light, this year's UNESCO theme, to create a brilliant program. Already, at Butterflies Go Free, which has just taken wing, visitors can admire the set design by Mylène Chabrol and the way that light reflects off butterfly wings in biochemist Linden Gledhill's photos lining the path through the Main Exhibition Greenhouse. All through the seasons, light will be the common thread in some sparkling new attractions: at the Insectarium, Fireflies explores a fascinating means of communication; the Botanical Garden shines the spotlight on Marc Hervieux and Oliver Jones as they take Centre Stage; while at the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium Dark Universe shows us the invisible side of the Universe and Pluto: Diary of an Ex-planet reveals the secrets of the famous dwarf planet.
"Every year, Montréal Space for Life manages to renew itself. The 2015 program is full of exciting activities drawing on creativity and knowledge. Once again, Space for Life is helping to build Montréal's reputation as a city of art and culture," said Manon Gauthier, Executive Committee member responsible for culture, heritage, design, Space for Life and the status of women.
"Light governs our existence. It is essential to plants, to other animals and of course to us. This year, with our continued emphasis on combining science, art and emotion, Montréal Space for Life is encouraging everyone to look at our connection with nature in a new light," says Montréal Space for Life Director Charles-Mathieu Brunelle.
Fireflies, at the Insectarium
The odd light signals used by fireflies have long intrigued humans. From June 20 to August 30, at the Insectarium, a cloud of virtual fireflies will be lighting up the darkness in an interactive multimedia space designed and produced by Etienne Paquette and Mathieu Le Sourd, also artistic director for the project. In this immersive environment, visitors will be invited to act like fireflies in order to better understand the fragility of these insects and become "bearers of light" themselves!
Dark Universe and Pluto: Diary of an Ex-planet, at the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium
Starting July 7, the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium goes over to the dark side. Dark Universe takes audiences on a journey across light years, to visit majestic galaxies and colourful nebulas, all the way back to the Big Bang in a search for its origins. This fabulous show, produced by the American Museum of Natural History, New York * and narrated by Neil DeGrasse Tyson, is a cosmic exploration of the visible structure of the Universe, but also the invisible presence of the dark matter and dark energy that drives its accelerating expansion. Pluto: Diary of an Ex-planet, showing from July 7 to November 8, salutes the astronomical event of the year: our very first close-up look at Pluto, by the New Horizons probe. The Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium is seizing the opportunity to reveal the secrets of this mysterious dwarf planet.
* Dark Universe was developed by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amnh.org), in collaboration with the California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, and GOTO INC, Tokyo, Japan.
The Arts Put on a Show at the Garden, at the Botanical Garden
At the Botanical Garden, popular tenor Marc Hervieux will be taking Centre Stage with a talented quartet on June 14, to offer us a delightful lineup of opera arias and French songs. On August 23, granddaddy of jazz Oliver Jones, accompanied by three exceptional musicians, will be using his magical touch and contagious energy to charm listeners' ears and eyes.
On Saturday and Sunday afternoons from June 6 to August 30, in an intimate shady setting beneath the willows, a variety of artists will be sharing some of their finest works. Diane Tell (June 7), Marie-Jo Thério (June 21), Catherine Major (June 28), Susie Arioli (July 5), Jorane (July 12), Florence K (July 19), Antoine Gratton (July 26), Chloé Lacasse (August 2), Fanny Bloom (August 9) and David Portelance (August 16) will entertain visitors.
New attractions and old favourites throughout the seasons
- New application: Génial! for March Break – February 28 to March 8 at the Biodôme and Insectarium
Use the Génial! apps at the Biodôme and Insectarium, and head off on an adventure with Martin Carli and Stéphane Bellavance. Two fascinating interactive tours for kids and their families, with exclusive games, videos and tips! (In French) - Great Gardening Weekend – May 22, 23 and 24 at the Botanical Garden
The Great Gardening Weekend is fertile ground for anyone interested in plants, and a great opportunity to share your love of gardening. This year's focus is on plants' light requirements and how to plan a garden in terms of its exposure. - Nature's Slowpokes – June 20 to September 7 at the Biodôme
Make your way along a pathway inspired by sloths' natural habitat. The space, filled with summer light, invites us to take a new and close-up look at them and perhaps even imitate them. - Gardens of Light – September 4 to November 1 in the Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden As the day draws to a close, the gardens will be illuminated with fabulous colours revealing nature's changes in a new light. Changing shadows and light will accompany strolling visitors, telling some original stories in unusual ways.
- New show: Auroræ – Starting November 10 at the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium
An invitation to admire the magic of the aurora borealis, or northern lights, and lift the veil on their mysterious appearance in the Arctic sky. - The Great Pumpkin Ball – October 2 to November 1 at the Botanical Garden
All along a surprise-filled pathway, fabulously decorated pumpkins will delight visitors of all ages. - New event: A Child's-Eye View – December 19, 2015 to February 7, 2016 at the Biodôme
A wonderful surprise awaits young nature lovers this holiday season. The whole family's invited to see things through kids' eyes and enjoy a show where light plays the starring role. - A Sweet Christmas – December 4, 2015 to January 3, 2016 at the Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is putting on a delicious show for Christmas. Come learn all about confectionery plants as you visit an absolutely mouth-watering exhibition that's sure to appeal to everyone's sweet tooth.
Montréal Space for Life is made up of four attractions on the same site: the Botanical Garden, Biodôme, Insectarium and Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium. These four prestigious municipal institutions form Canada's largest natural science museum complex. Together they are launching a daring, creative urban movement to rethink the connection between humankind and nature and cultivate a new way of living.
For further information and to purchase tickets online, see our website montrealspaceforlife.ca.
Visuals, footage, fact sheets : bit.ly/Espacepourlavie2015
SOURCE Espace pour la vie
IXION Communications / Judith Dubeau, [email protected], 514 495-8176
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