Montréal Space for Life Presents Gardens of Light, An Event Illuminating Montréal Evenings

MONTRÉAL, Sept. 1, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - As part of its 2016 annual theme of Seeing the Big Picture, Montréal Space for Life is presenting a dazzling experience to be viewed through a child's eyes. From September 2 to October 31, the 5^th edition of Gardens of Light, our ever-popular fall event, will be setting the two cultural gardens at the Montréal Botanical Garden all aglow starting at dusk every evening. In the Chinese Garden, the Forbidden City rises majestically in the form of giant, colourful lanterns, while in the Japanese Garden, elegant, restrained lighting reveals nature in a different light.

Montréal Space for Life Director Charles-Mathieu Brunelle says that "With the glowing lanterns and subtle lighting effects, strolling through the Botanical Garden in the evening is a wonderful way to see nature from some new perspectives. The sensory experience is decidedly different, for you notice details you would miss in daylight and otherwise imperceptible fragrances, connecting you differently with nature."

THE CHINESE GARDEN WELCOMES THE SON OF HEAVEN
For close to 500 years, Beijing's Forbidden City was home to twenty-four Ming and Qing emperors, all Sons of Heaven who, sometimes from the age of just 2, reigned over this immense walled-off city. Today, in the heart of the Chinese Garden, visitors of all ages can experience the magic as they admire fabulous lanterns representing the three large palaces in the Outer Court of the Forbidden City. They can imagine themselves as emperors and witness scenes from everyday life inside the palaces, where important ceremonies, coronations and annual festivities were held. The dazzling setting is the stunning work of artistic designer My Quynh Duong. And along the path between the two Gardens of Light, they can stop and admire fifteen larger-than-life birds' nests created by multidisciplinary artist Lyne Beaulieu. Who can spot the nests of a bald eagle, a red-crowned crane and a Ural owl?

A DIFFERENT PACE IN THE JAPANESE GARDEN
Slow down and let yourself be transported back to your childhood. The Japanese Garden, decked out for the occasion in artistic lighting staged by the firm Jutras Bathalon Bureau d'étude lumière, lends itself perfectly to peaceful contemplation. Designed by artistic director My Quynh Duong and produced by the Pelouse urban design collective, luminous bamboo installations line the path with their soft glow. At the same time, the façade of the Japanese Pavilion comes to life thanks to an audiovisual projection created by Mélanie Ladouceur, Simone d'Ambrosio and Étienne Legast, with technical collaboration from La boîte interactive. The piece is inspired by sumi-e ink-wash painting, and offers a simple and elegant prelude to an evening visit.

Special activities

• In the Chinese Garden: pretend to be the Chinese Emperor or Empress on the throne, or enjoy some Chinese tea and pastries* ($)
• In the Japanese Garden: enjoy some green tea and typical Japanese sweets*($)

*Activity cancelled in case of rain

3 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL VISIT

• Visit the Gardens of Light in September, when the evenings are warmer and more pleasant.
• Avoid the line-ups! Buy your tickets online at www.montrealspaceforlife.ca
• It's easier to use a baby carrier than a stroller to get around the site.

Montréal Space for Life is made up of four attractions on the same site: the Biodôme, Botanical Garden, 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, urging everyone to rethink the connection between humankind and nature and cultivate a new way of living.

Visual, video and brochure : http://bit.ly/JDL2016

SOURCE Ville de Montréal - Jardin botanique de Montréal

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