The Montréal Space for Life invites you to suspend Time! Butterflies go free - February 20 to April 27

MONTREAL, Feb. 18, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Starting February 20, the Montréal Space for Life invites you to the 17th edition of Butterflies Go Free, where the main exhibition greenhouse of the Botanical Garden becomes a giant butterfly house under  the artistic direction of Mélanie Crespin. This year some mysterious chrysalises are being showcased in this oasis of beauty, where hundreds of butterflies from around the world flit gracefully. While these veritable jewels undergo their slow metamorphosis, time seems to stand still. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to stroll around in the warmth and fully enjoy the up-close contact while immersed in this fragile and intriguing universe.

Mysterious chrysalises

Between the caterpillar and the butterfly stages comes that of the enigmatic chrysalis, which still harbours many secrets, even for scientists. In nature, the chrysalises are all but invisible. Immobile and vulnerable, they are camouflaged out of sight.  These shelters, some translucent, some draped in silk, conceal the secrets of the butterflies' metamorphosis with a seeming immobility behind which life is very active indeed. At Butterflies Go Free, visitors can observe a hundred chrysalises up close, at their own pace and who knows... maybe even witness a butterfly emerge! Thanks to experienced nature interpreters from the Insectarium, both adults and children can better appreciate the extraordinary variety of chrysalises and learn a bit more about this amazing scientific mystery. The metamorphosis of the butterfly, a fascinating phenomenon that proceeds at its own rhythm, is a symbol of physical or spiritual transformation for many peoples. While the slow and patient rhythm stands in contrast to the hectic pace of our own lives, it is one that nature fosters.

Tune in to the rhythm of the butterflies

This 17th edition of Butterflies Go Free also features a new visual and sound voyage by Moulin à Musique. Their work, entitled Flutterby Butterfly invites children eight years and older and their families to discover the stages of the butterfly's life cycle through an inspiring visual concert created by artistic director Marie-Hélène da Silva, composer Georges Forget and visual artist Eugénia Reznik. A choreography comprised of video animations projected onto a screen and visual works manipulated by two musicians on stage playing violin and electronic keyboard, this artistic flight offers an alternative way to listen to, feel and be inspired by the butterfly's metamorphosis.

Flutterby Butterfly will be presented on February 20, 21, 22, 27 and 28 and March 1, 6, 7 and 8, at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Botanical Garden auditorium.

Butterflies Go Free, in figures

• Over 20,000 butterflies are released over the course of the event.
• Over 2,000 butterflies are present at any one time.
• Approximately 75 butterfly species from eight different countries.

The Montréal Space for Life is the world's first site dedicated to humanity and nature. It includes the Biodôme, Insectarium, Botanical Garden and Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium.. Together, they are committed to preserving and enhancing biodiversity and call on citizens both locally and around the world to join this bold and creative urban movement.

For more information, or to visit our online ticket office, go to our website at http://espacepourlavie.ca/en.

Facebook • Twitter: #butterfliesgofree @MtlSpaceforLife

SOURCE: Espace pour la vie

Karine Jalbert, Communications Coordinator
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