Chateau Ramezay Historic Site and Museum
A visit to Chateau Ramezay will transport back to the colonial days and times
The Chateau Ramezay was established in 1895 after being bought in 1894 by the Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal. It is a museum dedicated to conserving the heritage of Montreal life and development.
The Chateau was built in 1705 for the governor of Montreal, Claude de Ramezay. It has the honor of being the first building declared a historical monument in Quebec. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1949. From 1775, the Chateau was home to Canadian Headquarters of the Continental Army when Montreal was seized. It then passed to the role of governor's residence once again. It also has had the honor of being the host of the Université de Montréal's first Faculty of Medicine.
There is a range of both temporary and permanent exhibits to view. The exhibits consist primarily of artefacts donated by private residents of Montreal. The collection is an estimated to have about 30 000 artefacts. In order to find out what is on display in the temporary exhibits, visit the website. One of the permanent exhibits is the multimedia circuit which is available in six languages. The story of the history of the Chateau is told by Claude de Ramezay, Gilles Hocquart and others. The Hochelaga, Ville-Marie and Montreal exhibit is a showcasing of various points in Canada's history from Amerindian prehistory to the 20th century. The third permanent exhibit is a showcasing of life in Montreal in the 18th century.
The gardens are a replica of a French colonial garden. Most of the plants that are used in the gardens are hybrids of the original species cultivated in New France. They are designed to be genetically close to those used in the original gardens.
The museum also offers a range of educational and cultural activities to occupy those who do not wish to simply stroll through its halls.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes - Discounts are available to CAA/AAA members - See the official website for details.Chateau Ramezay Historic Site and Museum Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 280 Rue Notre Dame E, Montréal, QC H2Y 1E3, Canada
Phone: (514) 861-3708
Official Website: Chateau Ramezay Historic Site and Museum
Chateau Ramezay Historic Site and Museum Reviews
Rated out of 5![]()
When you walk in, you arrive directly at the reception desk. A staff member collects the ticket. It was around $15 after tax per person, if I remember correctly. The front area also has a small gift shop with Montreal-themed souvenirs and items related to the museum. Prices seemed reasonable, nice if you want a small keepsake.
The museum is divided into different rooms, each designed with its own color palette and theme. Every room represents a different period, group of people, or activity connected to the history of the house and Montreal over time.
The first room takes you back to the early settlement days, with small-scale models, preserved artifacts, and an audio booth where you can listen to recorded stories. The audio is available in multiple languages, including French, English, Spanish, Chinese, and a few others. Everything is quiet, clean, and neatly presented, with clear labels beside each display. The rooms are beautifully preserved and very well maintained.
One fun detail I really liked: they have historical clothing, hats, and even wooden shoes that you can try on and “dress up” in right there. It makes the experience more interactive and honestly quite fun.
It’s a great place to visit with family, friends, or your partner, especially with kids. You can learn a lot in a calm and thoughtful setting. Definitely worth a stop when visiting Montreal.
Ngoc Vu Bich - a month ago
Visited Château Ramezay on a quiet January weekend and was pleasantly surprised by how much history is packed into this museum. While there weren’t many other visitors, the exhibits felt rich and engaging rather than empty. The video kiosks were a highlight, offering multiple language options and clear, detailed explanations of the history of the home and the surrounding area. An excellent stop for anyone interested in Montreal’s early history and a great way to spend an hour or two indoors during the winter.
Cole Riel - 3 months ago
This is a delightful destination for those who appreciate history, offering a charming and well-maintained historic site. The exhibits are engaging, the staff is hospitable, and the visit is concise yet significant. It makes for a wonderful interlude in Old Montreal.
Mafe Giraldos - 2 months ago
Unexpected place to visit. You can visit or not. Bought tickets there. Here you'll learn about Montréal's early history and what the first house of the governor looks like. The garden at the back is free to visit.
Greggy Chua - 5 months ago
The collection is quite rich and interesting, with staff dressed in vintage attire. There’s also a dress-up activity at the end in the basement. The garden, featuring a variety of edible vegetables, is truly impressive.
Crystal Y - 6 months ago
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Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 2 - Orange | Champ-de-Mars | 3 Minutes |
How to get to Chateau Ramezay Historic Site and Museum by Metro
By Metro: Take Metro Line 2 to Champ-de-Mars Station and exit via Saint-Antoine Trottoir Sud (South Exit) onto Gosford Street; walk southeast one block to Rue Notre-Dame East and turn right. The entrance to Chateau Ramezay is just ahead on your left.
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Photo Gallery
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The Chateau Ramezay Garden cc licensed photo by Harvey Barrison -
Photo Credit: Château Ramezay - Musée et site historique de Montréal -
Photo Credit: Toni Sterling -
Photo Credit: Douglas Liebig -
Photo Credit: Edward Brans -
Photo Credit: Rouslan Valonen (LibertyToursLLC)

