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Although Montreal doesn't spring to mind as a major destination for
museum-hopping, several of the city's art institutions are fairly well known
internationally.
The biggest draw, without a doubt, is the
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, now housed in two buildings
(the modern one was built by
Moshe Safdie
in the early 1990's).
- Canadian Centre for Architecture
 - 1920 Rue Baile
Built around an existing structure (Shaughnessy House, visible
only from Boulevard René-Lévesque) which was bought out by the
Centre's founder, Phyllis Lambert, this museum contains a
collection of photos, drawings, prints and other artifacts.
Temporary exhibition space, a study and
a book store are located in the central section.
- 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.
- Montreal Modern Art Museum
- 185, rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest
This compact museum located in the Place des Arts complex
holds over 7,000 works in its permanent collection.
It was founded by the provincial government in 1964.
- Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
- 1380 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest
Founded in 1860, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal)
shows the work of Canadian and international artists. It is Montreal's largest
museum.
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