Art in Montreal

Montreal is one of the most culturally interesting metropolises in the world. Combining new world sensibilities with French roots, it has evolved into a cultural icon. During your stay in the city, visit some of Montreal's excellent art museums. From edgy, contemporary art to fine works, the collections of art in Montreal are some of the finest you'll find.

Fine Art

The city's art museums are some of the best to be found in North America. French inspiration has bred a deep affection for the arts in the city's residents, and this only continues to grow, thanks to the Francophone district's influence. If you're interested in viewing fine art, your first place to see should be the appropriately named Montreal Museum of Fine Art. It was Canada's first museum to display art and was constructed in 1860. Over a half million people come to this museum each year to see collections of art by Canadian and international artists, as well as Inuit people. There are also collections of European, contemporary, and decorative art. Permanent exhibitions show portraits of Napoleon and collections of Pre-Columbian and African art. Recent exhibitions have included the likes of Warhol, Tiffany, and designer Yves Saint Laurent. Another great fine art museum is at Landau Fine Arts, exhibiting works by master artists, including many well-known names.

Contemporary Art

On the other end of the spectrum is the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art. It is home to more than 7,000 permanent pieces and features many traveling shows. The museum's primary focus is on Quebec art. It showcases many different art media, including video, music, live performance, painting, and sculpture. DHC/Art, in Old Montreal, features traveling contemporary art exhibitions to complete the city's collection of top art museums. For extraordinary works of modern art, head to Parisian Laundry in East Montreal. The art it displays pushes the envelope and will intrigue you even if this genre of art is not necessarily for you. You'll also want to check out some of the boutique contemporary galleries. The Galerie De Bellefeuill showcases some of the top Canadian contemporary art.

Art Festival

And if you are truly an art connoisseur, try to plan your visit around Montreal's Nuit Blanche. This is an all-night festival of art in Montreal during which many museums and galleries open up free of charge and display glamorous works of art. Teenage kids will enjoy this too, as there are many events geared directly toward them such as rock band duels. There are 55 shuttle stops during this grand night, so no matter where you stay, you'll have easy access to and from the event.

There are many opportunities to see great art in Montreal, and whether you're an art fanatic or you simply want to learn more about Montreal's past and culture, you should take some time to see these masterpieces.

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