The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
(Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal)

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is a must see for all connoisseurs of fine arts

Jean-Noël Desmarais Pavilion - Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Jean-Noël Desmarais Pavilion - Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Photo Bernard Fougères and Jean-François Lejeune

The world of fine art is rather a strange one. It allows you a glimpse into the minds of some of the world's greatest artists. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal) allows you to take that look into the minds of artists and see their amazing works.

The museum was founded in 1860 by Bishop Fulford in an attempt to encourage the appreciation of fine arts in the people of Montreal. The museum started life as many artists do, as a nomadic display in a variety of venues around Montreal. Is was only in 1877 that a permanent home for the museum was donated by Benaiah Gibb along with his collection of 72 canvases and 4 bronzes. Since then the collection has grown exponentially. There are now over 38 000 different works of art displayed in the museum's collections.

The works of art are displayed in four pavilions and grouped into categories. This makes it much easier for you to see those pieces of art that relate to a period of interest. The Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion is dedicated to archaeology and world cultures, the Liliane and David M. Stewart pavilion displays art works related to decorative arts and design. The Jean-Noel Desmarais pavilion houses the early to modern international art collection as well as the international contemporary art collection. The Claire and Marie Bourgie pavilion contains Quebec and Canadian art for something a little closer to home. You can see images of some of the art contained here on the museum's website. They are truly something to behold!

The museum also displays themed exhibitions on a regular basis. This offers you the chance to see some truly famous works that would otherwise be kept in the storage facilities of the museum. These exhibits feature artists such as Jules de Balincourt and Laurent Craste.

If fine art is something that inspires you or if you simply want to be fascinated and beguiled with what goes on in the minds of our finest artists, then the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is the ideal museum to visit.



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes; Free admission to children under 12.

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Address: 1380 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montréal, QC H3G 1J5, Canada

Phone: (514) 285-2000

Official Website: The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Definitely worth a visit if you are in Montreal! There are 4 floors that are themed with different eras of artwork. The 1st floor has a lot of modern and unique art to look at, a lot of Picasso's. Very pretty and spacious museum with a lot of famous artwork. Truly something for everyone here. We walked through pretty quickly and were here about an hour/hour and a half. You could absolutely spend much longer here. Happy we stopped here on our first trip ever to Montreal!
Samantha MacKenzie - 3 months ago

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4 Star Rating Great museum. The building looks deceivingly small from the exterior. Inside it is impressively large. Main exhibition is Kent Monkman. 3 rooms full of large scale canvases. Good underlined theme but too much of the same repeated self portrait of the artist's own image, an overkill. Other shows in the gallery were fantastic. Modern art, sculptures, etc. Café lounge was a nice spot to take a break. The only small neg is too many stairs. Not that bad for active and able bodies but those with weak legs must rely on elevators, for sure.
G D - 2 months ago

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4 Star Rating A eclectic collection of painting, sculpture, furniture, silverware and other artistic items. There are 3 buildings connected by an underground passage, however, the signage for directions to these is not clearly posted. You need about 3 hours minimum to see everything. Be advised, food and drinks, including water, are not allowed. Larger napsacks must be left in the free coat check. Washrooms are plentiful. Even midweek in the winter, it can be a busy place.
Naomi Sherlock-Hubbard - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Absolutely a 5-star experience. This museum is beautifully curated, with a strong sense of narrative and intention from room to room. I especially loved how it balances visually stunning pieces with works that feel ritualistic and philosophical—art that doesn’t just sit on the wall, it asks you to slow down and reflect. The lighting, spacing, and wall texts make it easy to engage without feeling overwhelmed, and I found myself lingering far longer than planned. Whether you’re into contemporary art, Indigenous perspectives, or simply want a quiet place to think, this place delivers. I’m leaving inspired.
D. Chan - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating The artworks collection in this gallery is absolutely astonishing. Im not an arts expert, not even close, but definitely appreciate the legacy all those painters and other artists left behind. I dont even think a day would be enough if you read all the descriptions attached to the paintings. At the time of my visit there was a Kent Monkman exhibition, which completely amazed me with its quality and meaning.
Stan Cvet - 3 months ago

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Directions

Metro Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Line 1 -GreenGuy-Concordia6 Minutes

How to get to The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts by Metro

By Metro: Take Line 1 to Guy-Concordia Station and take the Guy Street exit. Go right from the exit and then right again at the corner walking northeast along Blvd de Maisonneuve to Bishop Street; then go left to Sherbrooke Street W then go right to the museum entrance which is just ahead. Note that while the museum itself occupies 4 Pavilions inside separate buildings, access is only via the Jean-Noël Desmarais Pavilion at 1380 Sherbrooke Street West.

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