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
Official Website: Pointe-a-Calliere Museum
Fee: Yes; Family discounts are available. If you have a transit day pass or Opus Card your family can receive an additional $4 discount.Regular Hours:
May differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Address: 165 Pl. d'Youville 1er étage, Montreal, QC H2Y 2B2, Canada
Phone: (514) 872-9149
Official Website: Pointe-a-Calliere Museum
Reviews
Rated out of 5
One of the more impressive museums I’ve been to, because of its interactive and diverse approach to information presentation. From videos to light shows to song and traditional exhibits, I learned a lot about Montreal, and the people who have lived on this land. I also enjoyed the Egyptian exhibit— mummies and cats and facts oh my! It’s a little expensive but not bad if you had a small group. I gave it four stars because despite its immersive, in-depth history of Montreal, it didn’t mention the French and Indian war, or the British battle to take over Montreal— its vague references of the change between New France and Britain seemed to whitewash an important aspect of Canadian and global colonial history.
K Cheesman - 5 months ago
One of the more impressive museums I’ve been to, because of its interactive and diverse approach to information presentation.
From videos to light shows to song and traditional exhibits, I learned a lot about Montreal, and the people who have lived on this land. I also enjoyed the Egyptian exhibit— mummies and cats and facts oh my! It’s a little expensive but not bad if you had a small group.
I gave it four stars because despite its immersive, in-depth history of Montreal, it didn’t mention the French and Indian war, or the British battle to take over Montreal— its vague references of the change between New France and Britain seemed to whitewash an important aspect of Canadian and global colonial history.
Brilliant exhibitions and helpful, patient staff; such a fascinating place. Full of history and interest, and presented in a way that involved people of all ages. Absolute must see attraction.
Gwenda Brodie - 2 months ago
Brilliant exhibitions and helpful, patient staff; such a fascinating place. Full of history and interest, and presented in a way that involved people of all ages. Absolute must see attraction.
Rene Germain - 1 month ago
Jimmy D. - 4 months ago
Jim Kontos - 1 month ago
Accommodations near Pointe-a-Calliere Museum:
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.
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.
Photo Gallery
-
View from the observation deck of the Museum of Archaeology and History in Montreal cc licensed photo by JasonParis -
Photo Credit: Pointe-à-Callière - Boutique du Musée -
Photo Credit: Eric Bérubé -
Photo Credit: Rambocus Ishnita -
Photo Credit: Daniel Dion (Babiel) -
Photo Credit: Ricardo Ugalde (Ricky)
