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: Closed
- 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: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 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![]()
I just visited the Montreal Museum of archeology and history for the first time and left very impressed.
Located in the Old Port, the museum integrates a live archaeological site: visitors quite literally walk through and on top of the city's history. Clever use of video projections enables the museum to augment this archeological backdrop in a non-invasive manner, identifying key features and - in some instances - animating them with video loops.
I was also highly impressed with the scenic design of both the permanent and temporary exhibitions. There really was something for every age group here. Well-worth the price of admission.
Nicholas Surges - 2 months ago
A must see in Montreal! This is such a unique museum from what I’ve seen.
Incredibly well maintained archaeological remnants and objects.
We were able to learn so much about the history of this city and how it developed to what it is today. From the history, infrastructure, culture, language, architecture, society, etc.
When heading to the lower floor it’s as if you’re walking past in time.
It even has an interactive play area for children to learn about society and community in the alleyways (“ruelles”).
In addition there is a pretend archaeological discovery site for them.
Friendly and professional staff. At the entrance there is a free self coat check, that comes in handy in this winter weather. It’s warm and toasty after a long walk.
There is an elevator and stairs.
There were even relics in the bathroom!
See pictures and videos for reference.
Ps. We visited Christmas Eve.
Kimberly - 3 months ago
SO GREAT! Do you live knowing the history of your favorite places? This was amazing and so informative. Only English and French so you’ll need Google Translate for other languages. It starts with a super cool movie that projects on many screens at once and you listen in either English or French (no translation to other languages). You walk around and learn about different time periods with so many types of areas. You go way underground and through an old sewer tunnel (not stinky!!!) and so many places lit up with pictures and lights to help explain what you’re seeing. If not for all those aids it literally is just a bunch of stones and garbage - shows what I know!!! So many hints to the past I never would have understood. It was just fantastic. There is also a special family area for learning about pirates (fun!!!!) and revolving exhibitions across the street that we didn’t go to. Right now it’s Sherlock Holmes and I would have loved it but not my husband 😢 It was weird getting to the end and going to the gift shop (I’m such a sucker for gift shops!!!) and seeing the entrance out the window across the street. It’s amazing how far we went underground!!! I think anyone should attend!
elizabeth grace sato - a month ago
Such a fun museum- you learn lots about the history of montreal and quebec, and get to see the original sewer, excavation sites, and city grounds.
I highly recommend taking one (or more) of the guided tours offered in english and french as the guides were fantastic, knowledgeable, and entertaining—i joined three tours and this was the best part of my visit.
The special exhibitions (sherlock holmes) were entertaining though not as good as the main exhibits. The coat check is convenient and the restaurant inside is quite good, some of the best museum food I have had.
Jun Simons - 3 months ago
The Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History is one of the most fascinating and well-organized museums I’ve visited. It blends history, storytelling, and modern technology in a way that keeps you completely engaged from start to finish. The exhibits take you through the roots of Montreal, with interactive displays, real archaeological artifacts, and multimedia experiences that make the city’s history come alive.
The layout is easy to follow, and the information is presented in both French and English, which is great for visitors. The staff are friendly and helpful, and you can tell they care about maintaining the experience for everyone. The building itself is beautiful, located right in Old Montreal with a great view of the waterfront.
It’s well worth the $29 admission! You could easily spend a few hours exploring everything without feeling rushed. A must-visit for anyone interested in Montreal’s past or Canadian history in general.
Cam Larocque - 6 months ago
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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: Ben Pol -
Photo Credit: Keiron Kozy -
Photo Credit: Pavel -
Photo Credit: Luis Miguel González -
Photo Credit: Trupti Gandhi

