Montreal History Centre
(Centre d\'Histoire de Montreal)
Discover the fascinating history of Montreal
The Centre d'histoire de Montreal is a museum dedicated to the history of Montreal. It found its home in an old central fire station in 1983. The fire station, which was built during 1903 and 1904, was designed by Joseph Perrault and Simon Lesage who aimed to give it a Flemish character. This made it a unique building in Montreal at that time, a fitting home for a museum of history. The museum was originally administered by the Archaeological and Numistmatic Society of Montreal; it became part of the network of cultural centres for Montreal in 1987.
On the ground floor of the museum you can browse the permanent display which promotes the various events, places and residents of Montreal which have been important in the history of that city. There are old maps to study and old photographs to look at. There is also a collection of unique objects to browse. All these items show moments in Montreal's history that the city can be proud of.
The other two floors are filled with various temporary exhibits which are changed on a regular basis to keep the regulars interested. With over 4000 artefacts to choose from, mainly form the 20th century, there is plenty for the curators to show the visitors.
The museum also offers a number of walking tours through the nearby neighbourhood to introduce the various historical buildings and events that may otherwise pass unnoticed or be difficult to find. There are also a variety to other annual activities that take place at the museum which feature various historical re-enactments, demonstrations and even the occasional military song.
The museum is also host to a regular photo competition where local photographers, professional and amateur can show their skills. The contest always has a theme and the images that are displayed are really something to see.
The museum is wheelchair friendly and has limited paid parking available.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes - Family discounts are availableOpen Now
Hours This Week:- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- 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: 335 Place d'Youville, Montréal, QC H2Y 3T1, Canada
Phone: (514) 872-3207
Official Website: Montreal History Centre (Centre d'Histoire de Montreal)
Map of nearby accommodations: Booking.comDirections
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Square-Victoria | 8 Minutes |
How to get to Montreal History Centre (Centre d'Histoire de Montreal) by Metro
By Metro: Take Metro Line 2 to Square-Victoria Station and take the Victoria Square Exit. Walk southeast along McGill Street to Place d'Youville and turn left continuing to the Museum which is straight ahead.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Reviews
Rated out of 5
They usually do nice exhibits from time to time.
s elza - 24 days ago
They usually do nice exhibits from time to time.
Great place to learn about the history of Montréal, allow for 2-3 hrs to walk through all exhibits. Nice location in a historic building, with easy access from a number of subway stations or walking from downtown and the Old Port. Knowledgeable, friendly staff. Student discounts available.
Carlos Enrique - 1 month ago
Great place to learn about the history of Montréal, allow for 2-3 hrs to walk through all exhibits. Nice location in a historic building, with easy access from a number of subway stations or walking from downtown and the Old Port. Knowledgeable, friendly staff. Student discounts available.
Interesting place for a visit. Not a big one. It is an old fire station. It was built on the way of the small river which afterwards had been hidden in a pipe. You can take guided tour here. Museum tells about two important stories of Montreal: its creation and the Expo '67. It uses different types of your perception and you can choose what you like: you can read, you can watch, you can touch or even take a tour and ride through the exebition on a monorail and see how it was in 1967. Here you will understand why Expo '67 was SO important for Montreal.
Svetlana Voloshina - 4 months ago
Interesting place for a visit. Not a big one. It is an old fire station. It was built on the way of the small river which afterwards had been hidden in a pipe.
You can take guided tour here. Museum tells about two important stories of Montreal: its creation and the Expo '67. It uses different types of your perception and you can choose what you like: you can read, you can watch, you can touch or even take a tour and ride through the exebition on a monorail and see how it was in 1967. Here you will understand why Expo '67 was SO important for Montreal.
elizabeth D - 5 months ago
M Robson - 7 months ago
Video
Photo Gallery
Exterior view of Montreal History Centre Public Domain 
Original statue of Vice Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson that once stood atop Nelson's Column cc licensed photo by Jeangagnon via Wikipedia
