Pointe-a-Calliere
Museum of Archaeology and History
The Pointe-a-Calliere Museum of archaeology and history gives you a first hand look at the history of Montreal including an archaeological dig in the museum's basement
The Pointe-a-Calliere archaeological museum was founded in 1992, making it one of the newer museums in the city, to celebrate the great city's 350th birthday. It is set on top of the city's original birthplace. The museum's properties and exhibit space are actually spread over a number of historic buildings and sites with varying architectural styles and historical significance.
The museum is home to collections of artefacts from the First Nations of Montreal which demonstrate how these various cultures interacted as well as artefacts which demonstrate the influence these people had on the area and its inhabitants. The museum has seen more than 350 000 visitors a year since its opening in 1992.
Pointe-a-Calliere Museum has a number of fascinating exhibits for you to see. Take a look at where Montreal was born with an archaeological dig in an underground room. Take a trip back in time with their multimedia show. Try your own hand at archaeology with an interactive simulation dig. You can even see Montreal's first electrical powered waste water pumping station equipment. The Youville Pumping Station exhibit features some truly fascinating artefacts that date from 1915.
Each year, the museum hosts a number of cultural activities. December 2013 features Santa Clauses from around the world. February to March 2014 features an outdoor show of trains, tugboats and boats sounding their horns in symphony. There are different temporary exhibits on show during the year as well. But you will need to go to the official website to see what is going to be on show when you are in Montreal.
Another bonus while visiting the museum is the great views of the Port of Montreal from the Éperon building tower.
Any person that is interested in history and culture, not only of Montreal, but the rest of the world too, will love a visit to the Pointe-a-Calliere Museum.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes; Family discounts are available. If you have a transit day pass or Opus Card your family can receive an additional $4 discount.Pointe-a-Calliere Museum Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: 350 Pl. Royale, Montréal, QC H2Y 3Y5, Canada
Phone: (514) 872-9150
Official Website: Pointe-a-Calliere Museum
Pointe-a-Calliere Museum Reviews
Rated out of 5
We loved the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History! It’s a unique place to learn how the city evolved — who lived here, what it looked like long ago, and how it all changed. The kids were impressed, especially by the interactive room, scavenger hunt, and fun games. Staff were friendly and welcoming.
Don’t miss the top floor — the view over the city and major attractions is amazing! There’s also a nice little café and a great gift shop, don’t forget to check it out.
Sona Ayvazyan - a week ago
Wonderful place to see Montreal History in brief. Old insurance building still stand below. Great movie to start with. Then so many different sections from A to E. I enjoyed the play section and the view from the top floor. Very informative and bistro available until 3.30 I think. Definitely visit again.
Steve Asiri Jayatilake - 2 months ago
The quality and interactivity of the knight exhibition are awesome!
Although the wayfinding signs could improve, I still had a great time visiting this museum.
Takes about 2 hours to go through everything, including the city development of Montreal.
Amy Y. Chen - 2 weeks ago
The distribution of the place is innovative.
I really liked how interactive the experience is, it was easier and actually fun to learn about the history of Montreal.
The time-limited armored knights exposition was extremely worth it, and as a huge fan of medieval history and artifacts, it was THE highlight of my visit.
Laura Caviedes - a week ago
Okay this was really good…but…we missed the tower because we didn’t know about it and like so many others touring the “labyrinth” below ground we weren’t sure where to go. That said it is a great museum to visit.
Start with the movie in the theater (we saw it at the end as nobody told us). It gives a good history of Montreal but doesn’t tell you how to navigate the museum. However once you exit you at least are directed to start at one end. Mind you that you must backtrack at various times…but seeing as you’re underground going around historical archeological findings this is understandable. There just isn’t any explanation that this is what you will encounter.
Locals told me after that the tower is a great way to end so do that! Enjoy the walk thru the ~200 year old sewage system as it is very cool to experience!
David Bruce - 2 weeks ago
Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 2 - Orange | Place-d'Armes | 10 Minutes |
How to get to Pointe-a-Calliere Museum by Metro
By Metro: Take Metro Line 2 to Place-d'Armes; exit and go right (south) on St. Urbain Street. Continue on St. Sulpice Street all the way to de la Commune Street and turn right. The museum is one block ahead where the road forks.
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Photo Gallery
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View from the observation deck of the Museum of Archaeology and History in Montreal cc licensed photo by JasonParis -
Photo Credit: Christina Reid -
Photo Credit: Pavel -
Photo Credit: Thomas Kelly -
Photo Credit: Nigel McKinley -
Photo Credit: Katie Gledson
