When the first Montreal Planetarium closed its door in 2011 its successor was the ambitious Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium. Beneath its two domes you can learn the secrets of the stars from the comfort of your seat.
Upstaging most of the world’s planetariums, the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium’s dual domes offer double the experience. Each dome holds a different show each day and a ticket provides admission for both. Shows last approximately 20 minutes each and there are multiple daily screenings.
During the first show you’ll experience poetic musings on the complexities of life and the universe around us. Listen to the symphonic tones of American composer Philip Glass as you watch the dramatic visuals unfold before your eyes.
Experience a virtual tour through the stars and planets visible in the night sky. Listen as an astronomer leads you through the galaxy. State-of-the-art visual effects allow you to get up close to stars and planets. Visit during different times of the year to see how the show changes to adapt to Montreal’s night sky.
Explore the space between the two domes to discover the planetarium’s permanent exhibition. See a collection of more than 300 meteorite samples, including two that struck earth in the area around the city. Enjoy the interactive areas of the main floor as you learn about the field of astrobiology. Nearby you’ll find a large Tyrannosaurus rex skull at the entrance to the exhibition.
The Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium is open year-round and can be found within Montreal’s Olympic Park. Its proximity to other attractions like the Biodome and the Botanical Garden make the park a great family day out, and one that can be reached by bus or metro. All-day parking is available for a fee.
