Habitat 67 — Attraction in Montreal

Habitat 67 is an architectural marvel and a must-see in Montreal! Designed by the visionary architect Moshe Safdie for Expo 67, this unique housing complex is a stunning example of Brutalist architecture and innovative urban living. The structure is composed of 354 interconnected concrete “boxes,” creating a visually striking and dynamic landscape along the Saint Lawrence River.

What makes Habitat 67 truly special is its blend of private and communal spaces. Each unit has its own terrace, offering breathtaking views of the river and the city. The design promotes a sense of community while providing the privacy and spaciousness of suburban living. Walking through the complex, you can appreciate the thoughtful layout and the way each unit is uniquely positioned.

The history and significance of Habitat 67 add to its allure. It was a groundbreaking project that redefined urban housing and continues to inspire architects around the world. The complex is well-maintained, and the surrounding area is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a photo session.

Visiting Habitat 67 is a memorable experience, whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply looking to explore one of Montreal’s iconic landmarks. The combination of innovative design, historical importance, and stunning views makes it a...

A revolutionary housing scheme built from prefabricated concrete modules to celebrate Canada’s centennial.

This extraordinary housing complex beside the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Montreal, Canada, began life as a master’s thesis by the Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie (1938–). Safdie’s academic advisor at McGill University later asked him to develop his plans for the forthcoming Expo 67, the world’s fair being held to celebrate Canada’s centennial as an independent nation.

Linked modules. Habitat 67 reaches up to 12 stories in height. It consists of 354 identical prefabricated concrete boxes arranged in various combinations to make 146 residences, each made up of one to eight linked boxes. The initial models of the project were built using LEGO® bricks in order to visualize how the finished building would look in three dimensions. Originally built as low-cost housing, Habitat has become a highly desirable residence. However, it failed to give rise to similar prefabricated buildings elsewhere, as its designer originally intended, nor did it revolutionize affordable housing...

A lot has already been said about this architectural landmark of Montreal. I believe this place is worth visiting. Different guides tell different stories about the place and the Expo 67 itself and about the architect Moshe Safdie. It's sometimes interesting to go back in time and to see / learn how everything was back then.

The tour fee for 2 adults this July was around $100. There are 4 tours per day: 2 English and 2 French. We booked our spots online on the Habitat 67 website. However, during our tour, there were people who joined our group right before the beginning, and from what it looked like, the tour for them was free.

The free parking is steps away from the building, but it's not easy to find a spot, as usually the parking is full.

The tour is 90 min long, so be ready to walk a lot. There are benches on the premises, where it is also possible to sit and have some rest, but it won't be that simple to find the group if they go without you, as the building resembles a maze.

Overall, it was a good experience. I would recommend it...