The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, which is our favorite museum in the city, is currently showing the Torlonia Collection—a collection of Italian marbles—but in addition to this major exhibition, it is also highlighting works by contemporary artists who strike the same mystical chords in our artistic sensibilities.
Through September 20, 2026, visitors can head to the fourth floor of the museum, visit the Art of the Whole World wing, and, nestled among the mosaics of the Alhambra and Egyptian sarcophagi, view a solo exhibition by the Canadian artist of Sikh-Punjabi origin, Keerat Kaur.
Sikh philosophy, pastels, and pomegranates
Keerat Kaur’s works draw inspiration from Sikh history to reinvent millennia-old narratives as highly symbolic mythological scenes. Adventures of the legendary blue horse Nila, creation myths populated by legendary figures, a reimagining of the origin of pomegranates as coming from the sea… You must pause in front of each painting, observe the details, and read the captions on the panels, where you can also find writings by the artist herself.
In addition to paintings, Keerat Kaur enriches her artistic universe with colorful ceramics, poems, and songs—because the exhibition also features a soundtrack curated by the artist. It’s like a gentle journey into a semi-imagined world, sweeter than reality.
We recommend visiting the exhibition and taking the time to explore the Art of the Whole World wing as well, for its treasures that are sometimes overlooked when visiting the major exhibitions at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
Practical Information
Where? Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, 1380 Sherbrooke Street West / 4th floor, Art of the Whole World wing
When? When Words Become Gentle by Keerat Kaur is on view through September 20, 2026 / The Museum of Fine Arts is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much? $31 for ages 26 and up, $15.50 on Wednesday evenings, free for ages 25 and under, members of Indigenous communities, and people with disabilities and their companions