Complexe Desjardins — Attraction in Montreal

New Year's Eve Food court was open on New Year's Eve. Vaccine passport was checked at entrance then before I left another security guard was radomly checking again. Giving a ribbon or something would eliminate duplication and unnecessary and intrusive close contact, IMO. Parts of experience felt festive and fun, other parts not so much.

Almost a year ago The experience is really different after the opening after Covid-19 closure and it is almost a one star experience. Mall is practically empty, and not much fun, IMO. The security guard stopping people using the regular underground hallways to go to China town and place d'armes metro was abrasive and dismissive and not very helpful. There should be a sign when access to a metro is closed or have security staff who can communicate better, IMO.

Posted before Covid-19 closure: Architecture is beautiful. Food court doesn't look as fancy as some of the shops but there are some great choices there and it is a great place to hang out though there are times you can get harrassed by other customers and panhandlers, most of the time it is a decent place to hang out. After I ate at one of the places in the food court and I was about to put my tray on the pile, what appeared to be a homeless man grabbed the crusts from my plate and made me feel really sad. Once in a while you see security guards removing homeless looking people from the mall. Lots of options for getting around. Complex connects to green Metro line via Place des Arts Metro and Orange line via Place-d’Armes Metro. Lots of shops and good selection of places to eat in food court. If you work your way through connecting underground city halls past Guy-Favreau Complex towards Place d'Armes metro on Orange line you will find access points to little China Town, to Palais Congres and to streets which lead to Old Montreal and Old Port. Police were called during 'Just For Laughs Festival' on Satrlurday July 27th, 2019, probably by cleaning lady who seemed to be only speaking French to people. I was in cubicle when she semi-shut the gated doors in ladies' washroom in food court and people were stuck on both sides of the door, having to squeeze out of small space left available. Super unpleasant and seemed like an over reaction, IMO, escalated probably by not having someone there to speak English to people. Never seen anything like it and larger women would have had a hard time squeezing through small space....

Complexe Desjardins is a prominent mixed-use complex located in downtown Montreal's Quartier des Spectacles. It encompasses a shopping mall, office towers, and a hotel, serving as a central hub for commerce, culture, and community events.

🏗️ Historical and Architectural Significance

Conceived during Montreal's urban renewal era, construction of Complexe Desjardins began in 1972 and was completed in 1975. The project was a collaboration between the Government of Quebec and the Desjardins Group, aiming to revitalize the eastern end of downtown Montreal. The complex features modernist architectural design with several towers housing offices, including those of the Desjardins Group and Quebec Government, as well as a hotel. These structures are interconnected by an atrium shopping center, creating the effect of an indoor square.

🛍️ Shopping and Dining

The shopping gallery within Complexe Desjardins hosts over 100 shops and restaurants, offering a diverse range of retail and dining options. The complex includes a newly redesigned food hall and is anchored by an IGA supermarket.

🎭 Cultural and Community Hub

At the heart of the complex is La Grande-Place, a vast public square that hosts more than 200 events annually, including fairs, exhibitions, and concerts. This space is designed to accommodate crowds ranging from 50 to 5,000 people and can be reconfigured for various public and private events.

🚇 Accessibility and Connectivity

Complexe Desjardins is strategically connected to Montreal's extensive underground city, providing direct access to Place-des-Arts and Place-d'Armes Metro stations. This connectivity facilitates easy access to nearby landmarks such as Place des Arts, Complexe Guy-Favreau, and the Palais des congrès de Montréal.

🏨 Accommodation

The complex includes the DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal hotel, offering convenient lodging options for visitors. The hotel has undergone several rebrandings since its opening, reflecting the evolving hospitality landscape...

UPDATE: I went this week and the person at customer service was rude. I asked at what time they close and she said she did not know. How can someone at the info desk not know basic info.!! I would say there are the basics like Iga, Jean Coutu and Dollarama, a Liquor store and Winners. So the basic everyday stores you have there like grocery store and pharmacy etc with some various boutiques also but its not like a mega shopping for clothes kind of place. It is however very modern,clean,spacious and pleasing to the eye due to huge waterfountain,a glass elevator, and these cute coloured big chairs on ground floor which kids will like. It is architecually pleasing. In that area they have presentations, shows or exhibits a lot of times. For sure in the winter during Christmas the place is decked out. Its airy, many exit locations leading out to either St Hubert street or St Catherine and its across from Place des Arts. Its wheelchair accesible!!! Its a nice mall for relaxing and light everyday needs shopping. Not so many clothes specific stores. The ones that are there are for the more mature. Also big food court with lots of options!! Its also connected to metro...