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
Absolutely amazing. One of the best museums of any kind I’ve ever experienced. We were only in town for a couple nights and this was number one on our to do list. They’ve done an incredible job not only of preserving the history of the site but in telling the various stories of the many inhabitants of the area and all that happened there. Words just can’t adequately describe the experience. It is definitely worth the visit and time - a good four hours or more depending on how deep into the exhibits you get. Definitely recommend!
Karl Peterman - 4 months ago
Huge museum with fantastic permanent and special exhibits, all of which are so fun and engaging. What stands out about this museum is the preservation of historical structures, which you can walk through and also see below in a large glass-floored space. It’s a very cool way to spark visitors’ imagination, and it helps visitors learn lot about the history of the city in a much more engaging manner. As with all museums, I do wish there were more interactive components.
Alex C - 3 months ago
A magnificent museum. An unexpected combination of history and modern technology. Children will be delighted, adults (trust me) too. Carefully sniff the ship's smells. Much time has passed, but I still can't forget them
Anastasiya Keegan - a month ago
After reading the positive reviews of this place we decided to check it out & this museum did not disappoint.
Museum offers 6 buildings all connected via underground. There’s something for everyone here. Fun place for a kid to explore. You get a real sense of the history of Montreal walking the paths & tunnels here. Highly recommended.
Corey Martin - a month ago
One of the best museums in Montreal.
Being capable of enjoying the archeological site from the inside is an experience you cannot miss.
Plus, they have a lot of interactive expositions and a lot of technology that enriches the overall experience.
The temporary expositions are also very beautiful... I particularly enjoyed the pirates one, it's very family friendly and interesting.
I cannot wait to go back again!
Sandra Voynich - 2 months 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 (ZURRY) -
Photo Credit: Thomas Kelly -
Photo Credit: Thomas Jenne -
Photo Credit: Katie Gledson
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