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Because History repeats itself...
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Montreal Planetarium
1000 Saint-Jacques Street West
Architectural Value
The Dow Planetarium opened in 1966, thanks to a donation from nearby Dow Breweries. The interest of its modern architecture lies in the play of volumes, especially the truncated dome that forms part of the roof, revealing the presence of the spherical hall, while the separate modules of the building suggest a structure about to launch. However, the most notable architectural element is internal – the domed hall is unique in Montreal and could provide an exceptional opportunity for contemporary artistic creation. The Planetarium is adjacent to the former Square Chaboillez, most of which was supplanted by access roads to the Ville-Marie autoroute. Consequently, the Planetarium building plays a significant role as a screen for Peel Street, a key axis linking the mountain with the water.
Historic Value
The Montreal Planetarium is the first public planetarium in Canada. Its creation provides an example of Montreal’s interest in popularizing science in Montreal during the Expo 67 era.
The Threat
Pragmatic arguments and the need for upgrading lead the municipal administration to propose relocating the planetarium to the vicinity of the Botanical Gardens, bringing together all the scientific museums (Muséums Nature). The resultant loss of the primary function of the planetarium site could serve as a pretext for the demolition of the building. This would also mean the loss of an exceptional facility for Montrealers and the city. Together with the nearby École de Technologie Supérieure and the Cité du Multimédia, the Planetarium could play a key role in the revitalization of this part of downtown, on the edge of the central business district.
Initiatives of Héritage Montréal
Because this facility is unique and has great potential for creative reuse, Héritage Montréal has been in contact with government policy makers, the management of the scientific museums, and the administration of the adjacent École de Technologie Supérieure. Héritage Montréal is stressing the need to ensure the preservation of the interior of the Dow Planetarium building even if its planetarium function is moved.
To help safeguard this site, write to us.
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