Just a few days before the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium's first anniversary - Montréal Space for Life Regional Winner in the Grands Prix du Tourisme québécois

MONTRÉAL, April 3, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Montréal Space for Life was honoured last night at the regional awards ceremony for the Grands Prix du tourisme québécois. A finalist in the Tourist attractions: 100,000 or more visitors category, Space for Life was saluted by Tourisme Montréal before the entire Montréal tourism industry for its absolutely exceptional year in 2013. The opening of the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, a year ago almost to the day, and the Mosaicultures Internationales exhibition at the Botanical Garden made for an outstanding year. Space for Life's achievements stood out thanks to their originality and the unique experiences they offer, zestfully combining science, art and emotion. Canada's largest natural science museum complex also broke attendance records in 2013, with over 2.7 million visitors!

"Montréal is very proud to have a remarkable complex like Space for Life as one of the jewels in its crown. The opening of the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium and the Mosaicultures Internationales exhibition were not only tremendously successful, but also important examples of Montréal's bold approach, creativity and know-how," said Montréal Mayor Denis Coderre.

"This major mark of recognition from the Montréal tourism industry comes on top of the many prestigious distinctions awarded to the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium in the past year. The new Space for Life 'star' shines especially brightly because of its striking architectural signature and the unique experience it offers. Its daring and originality and the quality of its facilities have already been saluted over and over," noted Manon Gauthier, Montréal Executive Committee member responsible for culture, heritage, design, Space for Life and the status of women.

The Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium is a star!

Aside from the regional Grands prix du tourisme award, the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium has received a wide variety of other tributes. It was honoured with the 2013 Prix d'excellence from the Société des musées québécois and is currently in the running for the Award of Outstanding Achievement from the Canadian Museums Association. PMI-Montréal's project management professionals hailed the project's quality, and the Planetarium has received several awards and honourable mentions recognizing the building's design, innovation and sustainable development. The architectural concept, by the CARDIN RAMIREZ JULIEN + Ædifica consortium, was a winner in the 2013 Contech Innovation and Sustainable Development Awards and in the 2014 Grands prix du design awards in the Public and institutional buildings and Use of wood for interior design categories.

One year and over 350,000 visitors for the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium!

On April 6, the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium will be celebrating its tremendously successful first year on the Space for Life site. In the past twelve months, over 350,000 enthusiastic visitors have flocked to the new attraction.

"One year ago, the opening of the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium marked the birth of Space for Life as a key destination," said Space for Life Executive Director Charles-Mathieu Brunelle. "Our new attraction has allowed us to offer visitors a daring combination of science, art and emotion and an original way to experience the sky and the universe. And people love it! With three times the number of visitors as at the old address, the new Planetarium has quickly become a must-see attraction in Montréal. And 2014 will be just as exciting, with two new shows and updated visitor activities!"

Special activities to mark a successful year!

Free Guided tours

To celebrate its first birthday, the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium will be offering free guided tours of its building for fans of green design and architecture, frequent Planetarium visitors and astronomy buffs every Saturday and Sunday in April. 

Schedule: Every Saturday and Sunday in April, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (space is limited) (Tours are in French)
Length: 30 minutes
Starting point: Lobby of the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium
Cost:* Free for the guided tour of the building and the Exo: Our Search for Life in the Universe exhibition zone.

* For a complete experience, tickets to our Continuum and From the Earth to the Stars shows can be purchased in advance on montrealspaceforlife.ca or at the Planetarium ticket office (depending on availability).

Meet Astronaut Chris Hadfield Under the Stars

Chris Hadfield will be at the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium for a public signing session for the release of the French edition of his book An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth, at 8 p.m. on April 14.

The session will be preceded by a meeting for registered guests with the famous astronaut, hosted by Pierre Lacombe, Director of the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium. At 6 p.m., Chris Hadfield will describe some of his adventures and answer questions from the audience. For a chance to win a complimentary pass for this free, exclusive event, just sign up to receive the Space for Life newsletter. The winners will be notified by e-mail on April 10, and their names posted on our website.

About Montréal Space for Life

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 institutions form Canada's largest natural science museum complex. Together, they are launching a daring, creative urban movement, urging everyone 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.

SOURCE: Espace pour la vie

Contact our team: Nadine Fortin, Communications Co-ordinator, 514 868-3053/514 250-7753, [email protected]