JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF MONTREAL
BIOSPHERE, MONTREAL
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Standing about 45 meters (150 feet) tall, the clock tower is a frequent subject of photographs and visitors can opt to climb the 192 steps to the top of the Tour de l'Horloge in order to admire the view of the harbor, the St. Lawrence River, and other surrounding areas. There are a few exhibits inside that trace the history of Montreal and the city's maritime traditions. It was originally intended that the tower would also contain a five-bell carillon, but that plan never came to fruition.
The Clock Tower received Federal Heritage Building status in 1996 and is considered a true treasure of old Montreal. At sunset, the lights around the tower are illuminated, making for a very attractive photo opportunity.
Sources :
www.wikipedia.org
www.traveleye.com
In 1967, the American government was contemplating its contribution to Montréal, Canada s
upcoming exposition, which would showcase countries from around the world. The U.S. hoped to make an impact of the exposition and hired famed architect, Richard Buckminster Fuller, to fashion the design for its building.
upcoming exposition, which would showcase countries from around the world. The U.S. hoped to make an impact of the exposition and hired famed architect, Richard Buckminster Fuller, to fashion the design for its building.
Fullers architectural skills resulted in the design of a huge geodesic dome that would quickly become one of the main attractions at the fair. Fuller was already known for his domes but this was, by far, his most elaborate and complicated work.
A visit to the Biosphere is a treat for all ages, especially kids who love hands-on interactive exhibits. The displays and movies highlight the importance of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River watershed and endeavor to educate visitors as to environmental concerns that plague the area.
Special programs for groups include a guided tour and the chance to participate in experiments, games, and other activities that showcase the areas watershed.
During structural renovations in 1976, a fire occurred at the dome and the transparent outer skin was completely lost. Until 1990, access to the site was forbidden due to structural concerns.
That year, Environment Canada bought the structure at a cost of $17.5 million in hopes of building its Biosphere an attraction/museum devoted to eco-action, showcasing, observing and studying water,and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River ecosystem.Architect Eric Gauthier was selected to redesign the interior in keeping with Fullers original plans. It opened in 1995.
TOUR DE I'HORLOGE, MONTREAL
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Located in the area known as the Vieux-Port or Old Port of Montreal, the Tour de l'Horloge, or Clock Tower in English, is often referred to as the Sailors Memorial Clock.
Marking the entrance to the Old Port, the Clock Tower was built between 1919 and 1922. The cornerstone was laid by Edward, Prince of Wales on October 31, 1919. The tower was erected in honor of the Canadian sailors who lost their lives in World War I. Chief Engineer F. W. Cowie was responsible for the construction of the tower, which was designed by another engineer, Paul Le Claire.
Marking the entrance to the Old Port, the Clock Tower was built between 1919 and 1922. The cornerstone was laid by Edward, Prince of Wales on October 31, 1919. The tower was erected in honor of the Canadian sailors who lost their lives in World War I. Chief Engineer F. W. Cowie was responsible for the construction of the tower, which was designed by another engineer, Paul Le Claire.
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The Clock
The mechanism inside the clock was manufactured by Gillett and Johnston of Croydon, England, and is a replica of the one inside London's Big Ben. Known for its accuracy, the Tour de l'Horloge long functioned as the time keeper for those who worked at the Port of Montreal. It also served as a lighthouse and guide for incoming ships. In addition, the Clock Tower, which is connected by a 12 meter long wall to a smaller, decorative tower, had a very practical application as well. It was built to conceal the rather unattractive sheds that lined the quays behind the tower, allowing the port to maintain a pristine look.
The Clock
The mechanism inside the clock was manufactured by Gillett and Johnston of Croydon, England, and is a replica of the one inside London's Big Ben. Known for its accuracy, the Tour de l'Horloge long functioned as the time keeper for those who worked at the Port of Montreal. It also served as a lighthouse and guide for incoming ships. In addition, the Clock Tower, which is connected by a 12 meter long wall to a smaller, decorative tower, had a very practical application as well. It was built to conceal the rather unattractive sheds that lined the quays behind the tower, allowing the port to maintain a pristine look.
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Standing about 45 meters (150 feet) tall, the clock tower is a frequent subject of photographs and visitors can opt to climb the 192 steps to the top of the Tour de l'Horloge in order to admire the view of the harbor, the St. Lawrence River, and other surrounding areas. There are a few exhibits inside that trace the history of Montreal and the city's maritime traditions. It was originally intended that the tower would also contain a five-bell carillon, but that plan never came to fruition.
The Clock Tower received Federal Heritage Building status in 1996 and is considered a true treasure of old Montreal. At sunset, the lights around the tower are illuminated, making for a very attractive photo opportunity.
www.wikipedia.org
www.traveleye.com
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