The foundation

History

Space for Life Foundation

 

 

The Space for Life Foundation was created in 1993. Initially called the Fondation Marie-Victorin pour la nature et les sciences, in reference to Brother Marie-Victorin, a key figure in scientific research and founder of the Botanical Garden, its mission was to raise funds from the private and public sectors to support projects of the Montréal nature museums.

In 2005, the Foundation changed its name to better reflect its mission to support the Muséums nature de Montréal, i.e. the Biodôme, Insectarium, Botanical Garden and Planetarium. But it has also remained just as devoted and dedicated to teaching people about and protecting nature and its sciences.

Later, the Foundation Riou-Delorme and the Fondation des Partenaires de la Biosphère, two foundations no longer in operation, contributed in their own way to the mission of the Montréal Nature Museums Foundation by leaving it their assets.

Foundation Riou-Delorme

When the Foundation Riou-Delorme closed, its administrators proposed that its rights and assets be assigned to the Foundation Marie-Victorin, now the Space for Life Foundation.

The Foundation Riou-Delorme was created to promote the teaching of chemical and environmental sciences in Québec, especially to primary and secondary school students, with a view to future sustainable development. It was created in a context where technology and environmental problems go side by side. The members of the Foundation believed that the link between chemistry and petrochemistry was important, as those industries are largely responsible for environmental problems, and should therefore be involved in implementing solutions.

The contest La Palme verte, Teachers in action category, was created to continue the work of the Foundation Riou-Delorme. Addressed to primary and secondary teachers throughout Québec, it aims to encourage and reward teachers who carry out an environmental protection and conservation project.

Fondation des partenaires de la Biosphère

When the Fondation des partenaires de la Biosphère closed, its rights and assets were assigned to the Space for Life Foundation.

The mission of the Fondation des partenaires de la Biosphère was to organize everything required to support the Biosphere’s educational project and solicit youth participation in water and environmental protection. The Fondation funded educational projects on the environment, carried out by young people and communities and receiving technical and scientific support from the Biosphere.

Montréal Space for Life

Montréal Sapce for Life
Current director: Charles-Mathieu Brunelle

Biodôme
Created on: June 19, 1992
Founder: Pierre Bourque
Current director: Rachel Légerr

Insectarium
Created on: February 7, 1990
Founder: Georges Brossard
Current director: Anne Charpentier

Jardin botanique
Created in: 1931
Founder: Brother Marie-Victorin
Current director: Gilles Vincent

Planétarium
Founded on: April 1, 1966
Founder: Dr. Pierre Gendron
Current director: Pierre Lacombe