THE EXPERIENCE
What can I expect from Banquet! at the Montréal Science Centre?
An immersive experience that will transform you into an apprentice cook, produced by the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie in Paris in partnership with renowned chef Thierry Marx and France’s agronomic research institute (INRAE) and in collaboration with Radio-Canada. Learn how science is baked right into gastronomy and the culinary arts by exploring five exhibition zones: The Kitchen, the Appetizer, the Banquet, the Show, and the Educational Workshop!
How long does the experience last?
The exhibit lasts around 45 minutes to complete.
In what language is the experience presented?
The experience is presented in French and English.
Is the experience accessible for children?
The experience is accessible for all ages.
Can I offer a gift voucher?
Yes, you can purchase a gift voucher online, you can select from the different pricing options. You can go to the page here.
Can I take pictures or record the experience?
Yes. We invite our guests to take photos and videos for personal use only and would love for you to tag us at #sciencesmtl.
Please note, the use of flashes and tripods are strictly prohibited. Press photography (and any other photography for professional use) is only possible if authorized by a staff member.
Is it possible to sit during the experience?
No. The experience is made for you to wander the space for 45 minutes. For individuals with reduced mobility, we are happy to accommodate you. Please see more information below.
Do you offer guided visits?
We offer on-site guest attendants throughout each phase of the experience. Although we do not offer guided visits, you will always be able to interact with one of our staff members for any needs and or questions.
Is the experience the same for everyone?
Yes, the experience is the same for each visitor.
What is the minimum age and height for the immersive expedition?
The immersive virtual reality expedition is forbidden for children under 8 years old and less than 1.30 meters tall. Children over 8 are the sole responsibility of their parent(s) and/or guardian(s).
Is it necessary to dress a specific way for this experience?
For your comfort, we recommend dressing comfortably and wearing suitable shoes. Because you will be wearing a VR headset, please refrain from wearing hats or caps.
For everyone's safety, we kindly ask you to store your backpacks and handbags in the lockers provided on site.
How many people can take part in the experience in the same group?
A group is made up of 1 to 4 visitors, but several groups of 4 people can follow the expedition and travel together.
Is the experience accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Yes, the immersive expedition is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Can a deaf or hard-of-hearing person follow the experience?
No, the visual content of our immersive expedition is not subtitled.
Are backpacks allowed into the experience?
For the safety of others, backpacks (even small ones) are not permitted.
Is it safe to experience this if I'm pregnant?
There are no contraindications from the manufacturer of the virtual reality headsets stating that it is unsafe to experience it while pregnant. However, it is recommended to consult your doctor before your experience. Please note that during your experience, it is suggested to bend down to access one of the chapters.
TICKETING
Can I buy tickets on site?
Yes, onsite tickets are available based on availability. Nevertheless, we recommend purchasing tickets online in advance to ensure availability.
I can't find my ticket. What can I do?
You can find your ticket with the QR code in the Fever app, within the Tickets section. If you don't have it installed, you can download it from the Apple Store or Google Play. Remember to log in using the same account that you used when buying the tickets. If you still cannot find your ticket, please contact us.
What methods of payment are accepted on site?
Accepted methods of payment are credit, debit cards and Apple Pay.
Can I reschedule my tickets?
Generally, Fever tickets are non-refundable. Subject to availability, changes of date and/or time are permitted up to 48 hours before the start time of your experience. In such a case, please contact Fever Customer service indicating your ticket ID. For more information, you can refer to our Terms & Conditions.
What happens if I am late for my time slot?
It is recommended that you arrive 10 minutes before the time stated on your ticket. If you miss your check-in time, you should speak to a staff member when you arrive for assistance, and if possible, we will try to accommodate you by giving you access to the site upon your arrival, or else sadly, you will lose your ticket.
Is it possible to transfer a ticket to someone else?
If you wish to transfer ownership of your ticket to another person, you can do so from your Fever account. Tickets can only be transferred individually. Once you've transferred a ticket, we cannot undo the action.
Do I have to print my ticket?
No, your contactless tickets will be validated directly. You can find your ticket with the QR code in the Fever app, within the Tickets section or in your mail reminder which will arrive one day before your selected session.
How far ahead can I book for?
On our online ticketing service, time slots are available 90 days in advance. In other words, today you can only book for all the slots available in the next 90 days.
Can I refund my ticket(s)?
All ticket purchases for Banquet! are final sales. No refunds will be made and no orders can be canceled. For more information, please see the Accepted Terms of Sale prior to purchase. For further information you can refer to our terms and conditions.
Do you offer carer tickets?
No.
LOCATION & PARKING
Is there parking available?
Parking is available at the venue, for rates please visit here.
Is there disabled parking available?
28 parking spaces for permit holders spread across our two parkings.
To ensure accessibility to our parking lots, holders of a permit for people with mobility impairment can exit without having to pay parking fees by contacting our team using the assistance button at the exit.
How can I arrive to the venue?
- By metro → Place d'Armes metro station
- By bus:
- Line 75 de la Commune (McGill / Wellington stop)
- Line 55 Saint-Laurent (Saint-Laurent / Saint-Jacques stop)
- Line 715 Vieux-Montréal/Vieux-Port
- By commuter train → Lucien-L’Allier train station is connected to Lucien-L’Allier metro station. The Central Station train station is connected to Bonaventure metro station
- By river shuttle → From Longueuil, Boucherville, Pointe-aux-Trembles, Varennes, Ile Sainte-Hélène
Are there bathrooms available at the venue?
Yes, we have bathrooms at your disposal.
MERCH & CAFÉ
Is there any merchandise for sale on site?
Yes, the Montréal Science Centre's snack bar offers sandwiches, salads, snacks and cold drinks.
HEALTH & SECURITY
Can the virtual reality experience be uncomfortable or unsuitable for certain people?
Virtual reality provides a reliable and enjoyable experience, but it may be uncomfortable for some individuals. It's not recommended for those with claustrophobia.
People prone to motion sickness may also experience discomfort when using a VR headset. This might lead to symptoms like drowsiness, increasing the risk of injury during real-world activities.
Can a person with a heart condition or epilepsy take part in the virtual reality experience?
It is not recommended for a person with a heart condition or epilepsy to participate to the activity.
Can children do virtual reality alone?
Children aged 8 to 12 must be accompanied to take part in the experience.
The Horizon of Khufu experience is suitable for families with children aged 8 and above. Children under the age of 8 are not allowed to participate, even when carried by an adult, for safety reasons.
If a parent or guardian accompanying a child under the age of 13 wishes them to use a virtual reality headset, a waiver can be signed on-site to acknowledge the risks and authorize the activity. Please note that the accompanying adult cannot supervise or assist the child during the virtual reality segment.
Are service dogs allowed?
For safety reasons, service dogs are not permitted in the experience area.
Can you do the experience with a child in a baby carrier or stroller?
No, the equipment and immersive medium makes it unsafe to carry a baby, whether it's on the stomach or back, and the use of a stroller is also considered unsafe.
I have hearing aids. Am I able to do the experience?
You can still do the experience with hearing aids, but it will not be possible to link them to the headphones. The experience doesn't offer subtitles.
GROUP BOOKINGS
Are school group visits offered?
Banquet! is an ideal activity for schools and day camps wishing to explore the omnipresence of science in cooking and gastronomy. The Science Center offers preferential rates for school groups and works with you to organize a fun and enriching experience for your students. For more information, contact the Montreal Science Center.
Are corporate or private group tours available?
Yes, the exhibition can accommodate corporate groups! Please contact the Science Center.
Do all the members of my group have to be together to register?
Yes, if you want to do the experience together. If your group may arrive at different times, we suggest you order your tickets separately.
How many people can take part in the experience in the same group?
A group is made up of 3 visitors, but several groups of 3 people can follow the expedition and travel together.
BECOME A CHEF!
SENSORY AWAKENING!
SIT ON THE TABLE!
