The contemporary world is anxiety-inducing, aggressive, and oversized, and last night, the city was a bit blurred by a few drops of lukewarm rain. But the view of downtown’s skyscrapers from the end of the Grand Quai is the most romantic in Montreal.
Every year in April, it’s the city’s most important contemporary art fair and the one where you can see the most works by artists who live and work in Montreal. It’s an opportunity to discover artists and galleries, and for collectors, to invest in the most compelling contemporary works of the moment.
We recommend a visit to the Art Plural Fair to all Montrealers who love to draw and paint, who haveincredibly talented children, who want to impress theirdate withan outing that’s a change from the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine, and to those who are looking for a dose of beauty—acetate-framed glasses and aesthetic snobbery optional.
Modern Life and Contemporary Art
At the fair, there are 38 galleries, 7 project spaces, and 11 partner booths. And because print journalism and creative collage are making a comeback in 2026, we loved the art magazine booths— Ligne, Vie des Arts, Ciel Variable, Espace Art Actuel, Esse Arts.
At the Art Plural Fair, there are also events and talks open to everyone—artists, gallery owners, collectors, art lovers, and anyone who’s a little cool and a little creative. To see all the talks, click here —and our favorites are:
- Friday, April 10 at 4 p.m. – The 70th Anniversary of Vie des Arts Magazine: A Paper Heritage, A Present Yet to Be Written ( FR) – roundtable moderated by Sophie Bertrand, with Ji-Yoon Han, John Boyle-Singfiels, and Manon Tourigny
- Saturday, April 11 at 3 p.m. – Ahchietehk: Braiding Traditions and Contemporary Practices in the Realm of Indigenous Art Historicity ( EN) – guided tours, led by Michèle St-Amand
- Sunday, April 12 at 2 p.m. – Artistic Prophecies: Occult Influences in Contemporary Art (EN) – panel discussion moderated by Fanny Curtat, with Andrée-Anne Roussel and Horizon Factory (Erin Hill & Nina Vroemen)
Practical Information
Where? Art Plural Fair, at the Grand Quai in Montreal’s Old Port, 200 Rue de la Commune Ouest
When?
Friday, April 10, 2026 – noon to 9 p.m.
Saturday, April 11, 2026 – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 12, 2026 – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How?
Admission starts at $25, and for more information, click here
