In the fall, Montreal is always a bit rough-hewn, a bit gothic, and damp, anxious, and exhilarated under the last scorching rays of the summer sun. And this fall, the must-see exhibitions in town follow this twisted and poetic anamorphosis.
On display this season in Montreal’s museums and galleries are threads woven like spiderwebs, folkloric monsters, scorching deserts, undiscovered planets, and plenty of ornate beauty.
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EXHIBITIONS YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST SEE IN MONTREAL THIS FALL
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CHIHARU SHIOTA AT THE MONTREAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
The exhibition—an exceptional Canadian premiere—is dedicated to the work of Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota and her monumental installations woven from thousands of red, black, or white threads. It’s the exhibition we’re most looking forward to this fall, and the first one we’re marking on our calendars.
Where? Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, 1380 Sherbrooke Street West
When? September 26, 2026, through February 14, 2027
What? $32 for ages 26 and older, $16 on Wednesday evenings / free for ages 25 and under, members of Indigenous communities, and people with disabilities and their companion
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AN ASSEMBLY FOR THE COSMOS AT THE UQAM GALLERY
To kick off the new season, the Galerie de l’UQAM is presenting an exhibition based on an imagined space colonization. Cosmogony parallel to the colonization of Turtle Island, ancestral knowledge, planetary sensibilities.
For a stroll through a parallel world, stop by the exhibition between two days that are too firmly rooted in reality. Featuring works by Marcela Armas & Gilberto Esparza, Tabita Rezaire, Skawennati, Suzanne Treister & Patricia Domínguez, and Jesse Tungilik. Curated by Antoine Bertron.
Where? Galerie de l’UQAM / Université du Québec à Montréal, Judith-Jasmin Pavilion, 1400 Berri Street, J-R120
When? September 4 through October 17, 2026
What? Free admission
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WORLD PRESS PHOTO
The world’s largest photojournalism exhibition takes place at the Marché Bonsecours every fall in Montreal, where you can see the most beautiful and impactful photos of the year. The work of leading photojournalists will also be recognized and showcased through seven accompanying exhibitions.
- Jacques Nadeau in the spotlight!
- Lifestyle: Claire and Paule Beaugrand-Champagne in Southeast Asia
- And Life Goes On, a photo essay by Martin Chamberland
- Dotted lines, territories of humanity
- The finalist photos from the21st edition of the Antoine-Desilets Prize
- In the News | An exhibition by La Presse
- Destination: Distinguishing Fact from Fiction | An Exhibition by Radio-Canada
Where? Marché Bonsecours, 350 Saint-Paul Street East
When? August 26–October 12, 2026
What? $16 for a single ticket, $13 for students and seniors
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BETWEEN TWO SEAS AT THE ANGELINA GALLERY
The group exhibition *ENTRE 2 MERS*, opening this fall at Galerie Angelina, brings together Ukrainian, Armenian, and Montreal-based artists from Rukh Art Hub. The exhibition promises to be folkloric, dreamlike, and a catalyst for transformation.
Where? Angelina Gallery, 55 Rue de la Commune West
When? September 10–October 8, 2026 / The opening reception is on September 10 at 7 p.m.
What? Free admission; RSVP for the opening here
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FALL EXHIBITIONS AT THE DARLING FOUNDRY
The Darling Foundry is presenting two exhibitions this fall—“AFTER THE RAIN, THE MUD” by Christopher Varady-Szabo and “SOLAR LAMENTATION” by Shanie Tomassini.
AFTER THE RAIN, THE MUD is a monumental, woodland-inspired installation exploring the joy of creation and the concept of humanity.
SOLAR LAMENTATION is an exhibition that places alchemical sculptures under the blazing sun.
Where? Fonderie Darling, 745 Place Sable-Gris
When? September 17 through November 15, 2026 / Opening reception on September 17 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., free admission
What? Admission is $8
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CARRIE ALLISON: askōhtēskanohwē AT THE MCCORD STEWART MUSEUM
The residency program of the 8th Indigenous Contemporary Art Biennial and the McCord Stewart Museum present the work of Carrie Allison. She is showcasing a new body of work inspired by and drawing on floral beadwork traditions linked to her Nêhiýaw and Métis ancestral territories.
Where? McCord Stewart Museum, 690 Sherbrooke Street West
When? September 30, 2026, through February 28, 2027
How much? General admission $22 ($20 online)
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JEAN-FRANÇOIS BOUCHARD: FAITH OR FIRE AT PHI
PHI’s fall exhibition showcases the iconoclastic work of artist Jean-François Bouchard. Featuring evangelical street preachers, a great deal of faith, and a lot of shouting in video and photo installations.
Where? PHI, at 407 Saint-Pierre Street
When? October 28, 2026, through March 14, 2027
How much? General admission: $20
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THEIR BEATING HEARTS THEIR SEEING EYES AT THE MAISON DE LA CULTURE NOTRE-DAME-DE-GRÂCE, MONKLAND GALLERY
Nadine Faraj’s exhibition is colorful, feminist, activist, and all-encompassing. THEIR BEATING HEARTS, THEIR SEEING EYES is an exhibition of paintings, videos, and an immersive installation accompanied by a spatialized soundtrack composed by Ṭaus al Chalabi.
Where? Maison de la Culture Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Monkland Gallery, at 6400 Monkland Avenue
When? September 2 through October 4, 2026
What? Free admission
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THE WORLD OF SHAPES AT LIVART
This fall, Livart is presenting a solo exhibition by Canadian artist Jeanie Riddle. It’s pop, it’s poetic, and it’s a retrospective of her work that coincides with the release of her first book.
Where? Livart, at 3980 Saint-Denis Street
When? September 24 through November 1, 2026
What? Free admission
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