The Montréal Science Centre (Centre des sciences de Montréal) is an interactive science museum and IMAX® cinema located in the Old Port of Montréal. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, public transport and parking, accessibility, and practical tips for planning your visit.
Updated May 2026. Key change to note: the IMAX®TELUS Theatre is currently operating Monday to Friday only and is not open on weekends outside of holiday seasons and school breaks. Many existing guides show the IMAX as open seven days a week — this is no longer accurate. Check the official website before planning a weekend visit that includes a film.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours – exhibitions | Mon–Fri: 9 am to 4 pm / Sat–Sun: 10 am to 5 pm |
| IMAX®TELUS Theatre hours | Mon–Fri only (weekends during holidays and spring break only) |
| Address | 2 rue de la Commune Ouest, Montréal, Quebec H2Y 4B2 |
| Admission – adults | CAD $36.00 (exhibitions only) |
| Admission – children (2–17) | CAD $26.00 |
| Admission – under 2 | Free |
| Admission – seniors (60+) | CAD $33.50 |
| Family ticket | CAD $114.00 (2 adults + 2 children, or 1 adult + 3 children) |
| Combo exhibitions + IMAX | Adult $48.00 / Child $34.00 / Senior $44.00 |
| Nearest metro | Place d’Armes (Orange Line) |
| Parking | On-site paid parking; CAD $25 for 0–3 hours |
| Typical visit duration | 2 to 5 hours |
All prices are in Canadian dollars.
Montréal Science Centre opening hours
The interactive exhibitions are open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. The IMAX®TELUS Theatre is currently operating on weekdays only and reopens on a full schedule during holiday seasons and school breaks. If attending an IMAX film is part of your plan, visit on a weekday or check the official schedule at montrealsciencecentre.com before travelling. The Science Centre does not list specific public holidays as closures on its website; confirm ahead of any visit on or near a holiday.
Five great things to do in Montreal
- 🏛️ Discover the secrets of Old Montreal – on a small-group walking tour.
- 🌇 Take a sunset cruise – along the St Lawrence River.
- 🍽️ Feast your way through Old Montreal – on a food tour with 8+ tastings.
- 🚴 See the best of the city on two wheels – with a bike or e-bike tour.
- 🚤 Tackle the Lachine Rapids – on a thrilling jet boat adventure.
Montréal Science Centre ticket prices
All prices are in Canadian dollars. Standard interactive exhibitions admission covers access to all permanent exhibitions and the current temporary exhibition.
| Ticket type | Exhibitions only | Combo (exhibitions + 1 IMAX film) | IMAX only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $36.00 | $48.00 | $13.75 |
| Child (2–17) | $26.00 | $34.00 | $12.25 |
| Under 2 | Free | Free | Free |
| Senior (60+) | $33.50 | $44.00 | $12.75 |
| Family | $114.00 | $147.75 | $50.00 |
| Member | Free | 50% off IMAX | 50% off |
Family ticket: 2 adults + 2 children, or 1 adult + 3 children.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance at montrealsciencecentre.com, at the on-site box office, or by phone. Electronic tickets are accepted; printing is not required. Visitors who experience difficulty purchasing online can call 514-496-4724 for assistance.
Ticket prices were checked on the official website and last verified in May 2026.
City pass: The Passeport MTL includes the Montréal Science Centre within its roster of participating attractions. The winter edition runs from 1 November to 31 March. Other attractions included in the Passeport MTL are the Biodôme de Montréal, the Biosphère, the McCord Stewart Museum, and the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, among others.
ASTC Travel Passport: The Montréal Science Centre participates in the ASTC Travel Passport programme, giving members of participating science centres and museums free or discounted admission. Present your membership card at the box office. Note: local Montreal residents are excluded from ASTC reciprocal benefits at this venue.
Annual memberships start from CAD $90 for individuals and CAD $220 for families, covering unlimited visits for 12 months plus a 50% discount on IMAX films.
How to get to the Montréal Science Centre
The Science Centre is located in the Old Port of Montréal, directly accessible by public transit. The nearest metro station is Place d’Armes (Orange Line), a short walk from the entrance.
Three STM bus routes also serve the area: Line 75 (de la Commune) stopping at McGill/Wellington; Line 55 (Saint-Laurent) stopping at Saint-Laurent/Saint-Jacques; and Line 50 (Vieux-Montréal/Vieux-Port). Full schedules are at stm.info. Visitors travelling by commuter train can connect via Lucien-L’Allier or Central Station, both linked to metro stops. A river shuttle (Navark) operates seasonally from the South Shore communities of Longueuil and Boucherville.
Parking at the Montréal Science Centre
Paid on-site parking is available in the Old Port of Montréal parking facilities. All prices include taxes.
| Duration | Rate (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 0–3 hours | $25 |
| 3–6 hours | $28 |
| 6–12 hours | $35 |
| 12–24 hours | $55 |
Payment is made at the exit gate or at the payment terminal before leaving. Accepted methods include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Interac, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. Electric vehicle charging is available at King Edward Quay (4 charging points, free for the first 4 hours; parking fee applies separately). Holders of a disability parking permit can exit without charge by pressing the assistance button at the exit gate. Free bus parking for school groups is available at the Clock Tower Quay.
How long to spend at the Montréal Science Centre
Visitors typically spend between 2 and 5 hours, depending on age group, the number of exhibitions visited, and whether an IMAX film is included. Families with younger children often find that 2 to 3 hours covers the main areas comfortably. Visitors covering all permanent exhibitions plus an IMAX film should allow at least 4 hours.
Accessibility at the Montréal Science Centre
The Montréal Science Centre holds the Kéroul “Accessible site for people with physical limitations” certification. The entire building — including exhibition halls, washrooms, and the IMAX theatre — is accessible. Lifts are available throughout. Free wheelchairs are available to ticket holders at the entrance (limited quantity; available on a first-come basis). The IMAX®TELUS Theatre has eight designated wheelchair positions. An assistive listening system is available in the IMAX theatre; an FM receiver is also available for visitors with their own compatible device. The vast majority of videos in the exhibitions are subtitled in both English and French. A dedicated accessibility guide for visitors with special needs is available as a download from the visitor information page.
Inside the Montréal Science Centre: what to see
Mini Mondo is an interactive zone designed for children aged 0 to 7, offering hands-on exploration of everyday environments through scaled environments and sensory activities.
Explore – Life-Sized Science invites visitors of all ages to interact with pulleys, gears, levers, and other simple machines at human scale, testing physical principles through full-body participation.
Human is a high-energy exhibition focused on human evolution. Visitors interact with displays examining the body, movement, cognition, and the biology of being human.
Fabrik² – Creative Challenges presents four engineering design challenges inspired by Montréal landmarks. Visitors use real tools and physical materials to design and build prototype solutions to practical problems. Best suited to ages 8 and over.
Nanualuk – Northern Expedition is a newer permanent exhibition taking visitors into the Canadian Arctic, exploring the ecosystems, wildlife, and communities of Canada’s far north through interactive content.
Signs of Life covers astrobiology and space science, guided by a fictional alien character. Visitors explore how scientists search for signs of life on Earth and beyond, using rovers and telescopes as frameworks for discovery.
Funny Creatures – A Wildly Hair-larious Photo Safari is the current temporary exhibition, featuring a collection of humorous wildlife photography displayed in an interactive format. Check the website for end dates and upcoming temporary exhibitions.
IMAX®TELUS Theatre screens documentary and feature films on a seven-storey screen with a 32,000-watt sound system. The current film is Wild Asia. The theatre operates Monday to Friday only outside of holiday periods; check montrealsciencecentre.com/imax-telus-theater for the current schedule and showtimes.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Check IMAX days before visiting | The IMAX theatre does not currently operate at weekends outside of holiday and spring break periods; confirm the schedule online if you want to include a film in your visit. |
| Arrive earlier on weekdays | Weekday mornings are typically quieter than weekends; school groups have priority use of the lunch rooms on weekdays, so plan food accordingly. |
| Buy tickets online | Tickets are available online in advance, with electronic entry accepted; this avoids queuing at the box office on busy days. |
| Children under 13 must be accompanied | The Science Centre requires all children under 13 to be accompanied by an adult throughout the visit. |
| Bring your own food | Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are permitted, and picnic tables are available; eating and drinking are not allowed inside the exhibition halls themselves. |
Frequently asked questions about the Montréal Science Centre
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Montréal Science Centre suitable for young children? | Yes. Mini Mondo is specifically designed for children aged 0–7. Other permanent exhibitions are suitable for ages 6 and up (Explore, Human) or 8 and up (Fabrik², Nanualuk, Signs of Life). |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Montréal Science Centre? | Advance booking is available online and recommended for busy periods, but tickets can also be purchased at the box office on the day. There is no timed entry for exhibitions. |
| Is the Montréal Science Centre open on weekends? | Yes. The exhibitions are open Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. However, the IMAX®TELUS Theatre is currently not operating on weekends outside of holiday seasons and spring break. |
| Is the Montréal Science Centre wheelchair accessible? | Yes. The venue holds Kéroul accessibility certification. All areas are accessible by lift, the IMAX theatre has 8 wheelchair positions, and free loan wheelchairs are available at the entrance (limited quantity). |
| Can you re-enter the Montréal Science Centre after going out? | Yes. Your ticket allows you to leave and re-enter the same day, including returning to the exhibitions after watching an IMAX film. |
Things to do near the Montréal Science Centre
Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex (5 minutes on foot) — A history museum built over the archaeological remains of Montréal’s founding site, with excavated layers visible in situ.
Old Port of Montréal (immediately adjacent) — A 2.5-kilometre riverfront promenade with boat cruises, cycling, paddle boats, and views of the St. Lawrence River.
Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal (10 minutes on foot, Old Montreal) — A Gothic Revival basilica with ornate interior decoration, dating from 1829.
Marché Bonsecours (10 minutes on foot, Old Montreal) — A 19th-century neoclassical market building housing permanent and seasonal exhibitions alongside boutiques and design stores.
McCord Stewart Museum (20 minutes on foot or one metro stop) — A social history museum covering Canadian and Québécois history through clothing, photography, and Indigenous artefacts.
What to visit tomorrow: similar attractions in Canada
Ontario Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario (approx. 5 hours by road; included as a regional peer reference) — Canada’s other major urban science centre, with large permanent galleries on technology, space, and the natural world, plus an IMAX dome theatre.
Cosmodôme, Laval, QC (30 minutes north of Montréal) — A space science museum focused on space exploration, astronaut training simulations, and rocket history, with hands-on activities for all ages.
Musée de la civilisation, Québec City, QC (2.5 hours east) — A large interactive museum covering human civilisation, culture, and society, located in the Old Port of Québec City; noted for permanent Indigenous collections.
Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau, QC (approx. 2 hours west, across from Ottawa) — A national museum covering Canadian human history from the earliest inhabitants to the present, with an adjacent IMAX cinema.
Musée de la nature et des sciences, Sherbrooke, QC (1.5 hours east) — A regional natural history and science museum with permanent collections on the geology, palaeontology, and biodiversity of the Eastern Townships.
More Quebec travel
Other Quebec travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- River surfing on the St Lawrence River in Montreal.
- Discover Barbie Expo – one of Montreal’s secret free attractions.
- A complete guide to visiting Montmorency Falls near Quebec City.
- Watching black bears in Duchesnay Forest near Quebec City.
- Exploring the French influence on North America in Quebec City.
