At the Canadian Museum of Nature, a story of quiet perseverance and ecological renewal takes center stage—reimagined through the lens of immersive storytelling, art, and science. “The Man Who Planted Trees: An Immersive Tale” invites visitors to experience hope, regeneration, and the undeniable power of one individual to shape the world.
A story that took root
First published in 1953 by French author Jean Giono, The Man Who Planted Trees tells a deceptively simple tale: a lone shepherd, Elzéard Bouffier, patiently transforms a barren, desolate valley into a thriving forest—one acorn at a time. Over decades, his anonymous efforts restore life to the landscape and surrounding villages, offering a quiet but profound reflection on ecological responsibility and human impact.
This timeless parable has inspired countless adaptations, including the Academy Award-winning 1988 animated short directed by Frédéric Back, narrated by Christopher Plummer in English and Philippe Noiret in French. Now, the story takes on a new life as a world-premiere exhibition at the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa, open through October 13, 2025.
An immersive journey through art and ecology
Titled The Man Who Planted Trees: An Immersive Tale, the exhibition is a collaboration between the museum and Montreal-based creative studio Supply + Demand. Using cutting-edge multimedia techniques, the experience merges narrative cinema, scientific insight, and interactive design into a seamless, multisensory adventure.
Visitors are equipped with audio-guide headsets that sync with visual cues as they progress through 20 distinct zones. Each zone immerses up to four guests at a time in a rich tapestry of storytelling and sensory engagement, guided by both the original narration and newly created scientific content.
“Trees play a critical role in maintaining a healthy ecological balance,” says Dr. Danika Goosney, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Nature. “We hope visitors come away from this experience with a sense of hope and inspiration for a greener future.”
Where story meets science
While the story remains the emotional anchor of the exhibit, its strength lies in the thoughtful scientific layer woven throughout. Voiced by Montreal actor Juliette Gosselin, the additional narration explains key ecological principles such as seed dispersal, forest biodiversity, and the symbiotic relationships between trees, fungi, and microorganisms.
Each zone is visually and thematically distinct. One section allows guests to peer through portholes into the underground world of mycorrhizal networks—demonstrating how fungi help trees communicate and share nutrients. Another features a 15-foot interactive tree installation that lights up in response to hand movements, simulating the flow of sap and energy through its limbs.
The exhibition culminates in a post-show gallery that highlights six real-world stories of individuals and groups around the globe who are actively planting trees and restoring ecosystems. Paired with botanical specimens from the museum’s National Herbarium of Canada, the space reinforces the exhibition’s core message: that every tree planted is an act of renewal.
A Canadian creative triumph
The immersive experience represents a significant milestone for both the Canadian Museum of Nature and Supply + Demand. The creative studio, known for its expertise in multimedia storytelling, has long stood at the intersection of art, science, and emotion. “Our collaboration brings a fresh presentation to this beloved environmental story,” says Olivier Goulet, founder and CEO of Supply + Demand. “This project challenged us to expand our creative practice, and we’re thrilled to premiere it at one of Canada’s leading institutions before taking it to the world stage.”
That international ambition is built into the exhibition’s design, with future touring plans aiming to showcase Canadian innovation and creativity globally.
More than a memory
For those who remember the animated film fondly, the museum offers daily screenings of the newly remastered 4K version in both English and French. It’s a chance to revisit a cinematic classic with greater clarity and depth, underscoring the exhibition’s reverence for its source material.
Timed tickets are required to enter The Man Who Planted Trees: An Immersive Tale, and the experience is included with general admission. With its powerful blend of art and ecology, this unique exhibition is poised to become a cultural touchstone for visitors of all ages.
Located at 240 McLeod Street in downtown Ottawa, the Canadian Museum of Nature offers free admission to permanent galleries on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. (thanks to support from Canada Life). It’s open daily through Labour Day and remains closed on Tuesdays during the fall and winter seasons.
Planting the seed of change
More than just a museum installation, The Man Who Planted Trees: An Immersive Tale is a timely reminder that transformation is possible—even in the most barren of landscapes. It asks not only what nature can do for us, but what we can do for nature.
And like Elzéard Bouffier’s quietly determined quest, it invites each of us to consider: What seeds will we plant today for the forests of tomorrow?
