Espace pour la vie warmly invites you to experience the 12th edition of Jardins de Lumière, running from August 30th to October 31st 2024.
This annual fall event transforms the three cultural gardens of the Montreal Botanical Garden into an extraordinary landscape of light and beauty, perfect for a magical evening!
This year, the Botanical Garden team has worked tirelessly to completely re-imagine the lighting of the Japanese Garden and to bring the enchanting multimedia water projection presentation of The Legend of the Butterfly Lovers to the Chinese Garden.
The 2024 edition of Jardins de Lumière promises to captivate you with its delicate poetry, musical rhythms, and the vibrant, multicolored lanterns scattered along the garden paths.
Japanese Garden: Elegance and Sensitivity
Making its debut this year, Yûgen – A Japanese Universe is a stunning homage to the islands and mountains of Japan.
Sometimes recreated, sometimes evoked, this monumental projection features iconic elements of Japanese culture, including the seven autumn herbs symbolizing the fleeting beauty of the season, koi fish representing strength and determination, and the harvest moon, celebrated annually.
The result is both spectacular and refined, a true reflection of Japanese aesthetics.
*Yûgen refers to a profound and mysterious beauty, almost otherworldly. – Visitors can hear “other worldly” sounds coming from the swaying tree branches that are speckled with lights and other colorful projections on rocks, trees and moss.
** For those seeking a light bite, volunteers from the Japanese cultural society are on site with hot tea, matcha cookies and other Nippon specialties for sale ( cash only).
First Nations Garden: The Rhythm of Life
In the heart of the circle where the seasons of life unfold in a perpetual dance, the Moon marks time and sets the rhythm of existence.
Embracing the guiding principles shared by Indigenous peoples, and brought to life by the words of Innu poet Joséphine Bacon and the voice of Moe Clark, the illuminated path of the First Nations Garden offers an immersive and poetic journey through the circle of life.
See light bulbs bob up and down between the branches, gasp in awe at the variety of led lights propped around the walking path . Listen for the howl of the wolf pack in the distance wailing their woes to the moon …
Chinese Garden: A Re-imagined Legend of the Butterfly Lovers
Amidst the Dream Lake, the two most famous butterflies of Chinese culture, Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, come to life. This poignant legend, one of the best-known stories in Chinese culture, unfolds in a brand-new multimedia version featuring projections, volumetric effects, a giant water screen, and more. It’s a poetic and delicate experience, perfectly capturing the essence of China’s most beloved lovers.
- The Chinese legend of the Butterfly Lovers, Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, is a poignant tale of forbidden love. Zhu Yingtai, a young woman, crossdresses as a man to attend school, where she meets and forms a deep bond with scholar, Liang Shanbo. Unaware of Zhu’s true identity, Liang falls in love with her. When Zhu’s true identity is revealed, they pledge eternal love , but Zhu is swiftly forced into an arranged marriage which leads the heartbroken Liang to die of sorrow. On Zhu’s wedding day, she visits his grave, where a miracle occurs: his grave opens, and Zhu jumps in to join him. The two lovers are transformed into butterflies, symbolizing eternal love and freedom.
Timed Tickets
Due to the event’s continued popularity, the timed entry ticket system is back. To fully enjoy the experience, you’ll need to reserve a specific time when purchasing your tickets. This will allow you to explore the three cultural gardens at your own pace. Your ticket also grants you access to the Botanical Garden, which can be visited at any time on the same day.
Tickets and Schedule: espacepourlavie.ca/billetterie
- A Rebate of 25% will be offered on Mondays and Tuesdays ( Sept 2nd to the 8th Oct)
*City Parking is available on-site at the cost of 13.75 $, with your proof of payment to be left visible on the dashboard.
** The site is generally wheelchair accessible, however the paths in the Chinese Garden are leveled stones and may be uneven or inaccessible on certain levels . Some other paths in the Japanese and First Nations garden may be muddy , soft or covered with small branches.