Biodme and Insectarium to close for major renovations

Montreal's Biodmeand Insectarium will be getting a $45 million facelift that will requirethe eventual closure of each facility for a lengthy stretch.

The new-and-improved facilities will feature changes inspired by an international architecturecontest andwill requirethe Biodme to remain closed from September 2016 to December 2017.

The Biodme will be souped up with a larger lobby and improved mezzanine, as well as an expanded sub-polar section that will cost $22 million.

Another $23 million will be spent on renovations to the Insectarium, whichwill require the facility to closestarting sometime in 2018, following the completion of celebrations surrounding the 375th anniversary of Montreal in 2017.

A butterfly house will be added to theInsectarium, which will also be renovated to allowa better view of insects, all in the aim of transforming into"a true biotope in which insects, plants and people can interact and take an interest in one another," accordingto Insectariumliterature.