La Grande Biliothèque
| Address: | 475, Boulevard de Maisonneuve Est Montreal, QC, H2L 5C4 |
| District: | Quartier Latin |
| Phone: | (514) 873-1100 |
| Hours: | Mon: closed; Tue-Fri: 10am-10pm; Sat+Sun: 10am-6pm |
Profile
Built between 2001 and 2004 and officially inaugurated in 2005, La Grande Bibliothèque is the main branch of the Québec National Library and Archives (BNQ). It is visited by thousands of people every day (estimates vary, but the latest numbers indicate over 12,000 visitors daily).
The building is worth a visit for its architecture (it was a team effort by Patkau Architects) - especially interior architecture - and as a quick-and-easy way to restore your faith in future generations (presumably, the hordes of students devouring books, magazines, newspapers and other publications are up to something good).
Access is free and you can take a self-guided tour by simply walking around each level. La Grande Bibliothèque also offers guided tours in English and French.
Information last updated: 30/Nov/2009
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I've met quite a few people in Montreal, and all of them surprised me with the same statement: "I've never been to La Grande Bibliothèque".
Worse, that would happen immediately after I'd answer the most common question, which is: "What have you liked the most in Montreal so far?"
La Grande Bibliothèque is definitely one of the top things on my list
and when I mention it many people seem surprised...
