Good news for art lovers: every first Sunday of the month, Quebecers can visit the city’s biggest museums for free!
Whether you’re a classicist, a historian, a technologist or just want to immerse yourself in nature for an afternoon, there’s something for everyone!
1 Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal
This is Montreal’s coolest museum, and a must-see on the Montreal cultural scene. There are often several exhibitions on at once, and it’s a great chance to see some of the most iconic contemporary works of the 90s and 2000s.
The program is constantly being renewed, so don’t miss your chance – and if it’s every first Sunday of the month, all the better!
To find out more about the MAC, click here.
2 Montreal Holocaust Museum
This historic museum offers a fresh look at the stories of Holocaust survivors, exploring the trajectory of Jewish communities throughout the 20th century. An engaging exploration of the repercussions of anti-Semitism, the Holocaust Museum is well worth a visit. It offers much-needed reflections on the humanity and experiences of Jewish communities around the world.
It’s also worth a visit because the survivors’ stories don’t just catalog the horrors of the Holocaust, but are full of love, sunshine, friendship and life.
To find out more about the Montreal Holocaust Museum, click here.
3 McCord Stewart Museum
In the heart of downtown, the McCord Stewart Museum offers photo exhibitions, fashion and Canadian, Quebecois and Aboriginal culture. History, beauty and a chance to better understand our society through iconic visuals.
In addition to current temporary exhibitions, you’ll have the chance to explore the permanent exhibition Aboriginal Voices of Today, which bears witness to the knowledge and experience of Aboriginal peoples.
To find out more about the McCord Stewart Museum, click here.
4 Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum
This historic site in the Old Port is right next door to the oldest chapel in Montreal.
It’s a place that offers temporary art exhibitions, but also a unique exploration of Quebec history and the first peoples who came over from Europe, including the fascinating story of Marguerite Bourgeoys. Bonus for its location, and we recommend a stroll through Old Montreal to follow the tour…
You can also take a tour of the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours chapel, which at 250 years old is a real piece of Montreal history.
To find out more about the Marguerite-Bourgeoys Museum, click here.
5.zoo ecomuseum
The only outdoor wildlife museum on the island of Montreal, the Zoo Ecomuseum offers an exploration of Quebec’s animal world. Stroll through the spaces of the zoo located in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue to discover 22 different species. Just 30 minutes from downtown, it’s like being in another world.
For those who dream of having a backyard and seeing deer early in the morning in winter…
To find out more about the Ecomuseum Zoo, click here.
6 Canadian Centre for Architecture
The Canadian Centre for Architecture’s exhibitions aim to get the general public thinking about architecture, urban movements and how the environment and landscape affect human creations.
It’s beautiful, it’s good for society, and it’s good to think of solutions to the major problems of today’s world…
To find out more about the Canadian Centre for Architecture, click here.
7 Château Dufresne
Discover the world of the Dufresne family, a bourgeois francophone family of the early 1900s. The Château Dufresne is a historic heritage building deeply rooted in Montreal culture.
In addition to the grandiose, breathtaking scenery, you’ll learn a lot about the fascinating history of the city and the important players of the time. For historical nerds !
We also recommend a visit to an exhibition focusing on Quebec’s aboriginal peoples, such as the McCord Stewart Museum, for a complete overview of the history of Montreal and the region.
To find out more about Château Dufresne, click here.
8 Musée des maîtres et artisans du Québec
Located in one of Montreal’s most beautiful neo-Gothic churches, the Musée des maîtres et artisans du Québec offers a number of exhibits that will help you discover the region’s arts and crafts!
Find out more about the Musée des maîtres et artisans du Québec
9 Écomusée du Fier Monde
This unique history museum is located right next to Parc La Fontaine. It invites you to explore the lives of Montrealers in different facets of the community, depending on the period and social issues of the day.
Learn more about the beginnings of your neighborhood and the stories that make it a unique place to live!
To find out more about the Écomusée du fier monde, click here.
10 Musée des hospitalières de l’Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal
This historical museum retraces the past of the Hôtel-Dieu hospital through an exploration of the last 4 centuries.
You can also visit the chapel, the crypt below or the monastery.
To find out more about the Musée des hospitalières, click here.
11.Maison Saint-Gabriel
The Musée Saint-Gabriel offers an incredible exploration of the New France era through the house, which is the oldest site of rural architecture in Montreal.
Come to the heart of Pointe-St-Charles and step back in time to the era of the filles du Roy!
To find out more about Maison Saint-Gabriel, click here.
Practical info
Don’t forget to bring proof of Quebec residency (ID card with address). Contact the museum directly to find out about its specific terms and conditions, such as online reservations, special opening hours and exclusions. To find out which museums offer the same option in other administrative regions, please consult this interactive map:
Enjoy your visit!