Old Montreal Places to Visit
The following are the places of interest in Old Montreal that we profiled:
- Musée d'archéologie Pointe-à-Callière
- 350 Place Royale
Occupying the spot where the French explorers docked when they arrived at what was to become Montreal, this triangular building (whose shape evoking a silhouette of a ship), houses the Musée d'archéologie et d'histoire de Montréal - the only sizeable archeology museum in the country. (The museum actually occupies several buildings, the Pointe-à-Callière being the main one, marking the museum's entrance). Built for the celebrations of the 350th anniversary of the city, the Pointe-à-Callière is considered one of the better examples of post-modern buildings in the city. - Notre-Dame de Montréal
- 110 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest
Overlooking Place d'Armes in the very center of Old Montreal, this impressive church was designed by James O'Donnell, an Irish-American Protestant from New York (who did, however, converted to catholicism before his death). - Habitat 67
- 2600 Avenue Pierre-Dupuy
Commissioned by the city for World Expo 67, this groundbreaking housing complex by then very young architect Moshe Safdie elicits contractictory emotions from Montreal visitors and residents alike. Some praise its unique concept, valuing privacy, access to the city center, versatile apartment shapes providing multiple exposures and a patch of green space ("everybody gets a rooftop garden!"), street-like configuration of its hallways and amazing views afforded by its location. Others criticise the stern fortress-like look and point out that the project essentially failed as a stand-alone housing community (because of the unexpectedly high cost of engineering, the complex was only partially built). One thing is certain, nobody is indifferent. - Marché Bonsecours
- 350 Rue St-Paul Est
Architecturally imposing building of the former city market.
