Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art
The Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art was the first museum dedicated to contemporary art in Canada

Contemporary art is art that is created in the present age. The Musee d'Art Contemporain de Montreal was the first museum dedicated to contemporary art in Canada. The inauguration of the new building in 1992 saw approximately 20,000 visitors in the space of two days.
Something that you must see if you visit the museum is the photographic work "La Voie Lactee" designed by Genevieve Cadieux, a close up of a pair of lips which is installed on the roof of the museum.
The exhibits are constantly changing, just as comtemporary art is constantly changing. There are dedications to music and theatrical performances which will leave you staring in amazement. There are exhibits of abstract art and many other forms of art which leave you to form your own opinions of the artists' intentions. This museum is definitely one that you must put on your list of things to see. The permanent collection is an exhibit of more than 7 000 pieces, including the largest collection of pieces done by Paul-Emile Borduas.
The museum hosts a variety of different Friday Nocturnes to entertain and bring contemporary art to life. Older performances include a Jackson 2Bears and Madeskimo drum performance and a performance by Colin Stetson. If there are any Nocturnes scheduled during your stay in Montreal, be sure to attend this one of a kind event. The museum also offers the opportunity to attend art workshops where you are taught to put your visions on canvas. You can also watch a variety of art related videos which vary depending on what is on display at the time.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes; Free admission for children under the age of 12. Half-price admission on Wednesday from 5pm-9pmMusee d'Art Contemporain de Montreal Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Address: Niveau Galerie, Pl. Ville-Marie Local 11220, Montréal, QC H3B 3Y1, Canada
Phone: (514) 847-6226
Official Website: Musee d'Art Contemporain de Montreal
Musee d'Art Contemporain de Montreal Reviews
Rated
Unfortunately, my visit to MAC was underwhelming. The museum felt quite limited in both content and space, with very few exhibits on display. I understand contemporary art can be minimalist or conceptual, but much of what was shown didn’t feel engaging or thought-provoking—at least not in the way I had hoped.
Given the admission price and the reputation of the museum, I expected a more substantial experience. It may appeal to very specific tastes, but overall, it didn’t feel worth the visit this time.
Jules - a week ago
Great place for art lovers !! But you should come alone to spend some time with art alone !! I was with my college group with the guide as well but next time I would go alone !!
Rumana Quasimi - 4 months ago
Temporary location but still provided lots of visual representation of what is to come with the new space that is being renovated and will be ready in 2028. Still worth a visit and experience contemporary art in downtown Montreal.
Jonathan Hauck - a month ago
Not a particularly large museum, but definitely worth a visit. Very easy to access in the Underground City (PVM).
Fatcatter - 6 months ago
Directions
Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
Line 1 - Green | McGill | 7 Minutes |
Line 2 - Orange | Bonaventure – Lucien L’Allier | 6 Minutes |
How to get to Musee d'Art Contemporain de Montreal by Metro
From McGill Station: Walk southeast on Blvd Robert-Bourassa to Rue Cathcart and turn right. Walk to Mansfield Street and turn left. the entrance is just ahead on your left.
From Bonaventure Station: Exit to your right onto Rue de la Cathedrale, walk past the Cathedral, turn right onto REne-Levesque Blvd W, continue to Blvd Rober -Bourassa, cross over and go left on Mansfield Street to the entrance.
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Photo Gallery
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Entrance to the Museum of Contemporary Art cc licensed photo by sprklg
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