Montreal Art Center and Museum — Attraction in Montreal

This is an eclectic, labyrinthian, and fascinating place inside, and it brings all sorts of unique and creative people together. I have gone to life drawing sessions on and off for almost 6 years, and have attended vernissages and events. I have also been hired by the owner to occasionally photograph larger expositions or activities. Recently I started going to their 5à7 evenings in their cozy little bar; on Fridays there has been a live jazz trio, and often a visitor may play on the piano. They also have a little cafe and boutique on the ground level. There is even a hidden mini cinema on the top floor.

Because I live close by, it has become a second home; for keeping me making art part of my life, and connecting with a continually growing community. I hope their drawing sessions remain affordable so more people can discover the place, and because I have actually spent 6 of my last 14 evenings there! I sometimes finish the night with life drawing regulars or new friends at the convenient Lord William Pub directly underneath the Center.

I don’t have an art practice that would require a studio, but there are painters, sculptors, potters, jewellers, and even a musician who rents space upstairs. I can appreciate that even if one could work on their art at home, having a dedicated and separate work space plus the prospect of being inspired by and connected to peers of all skill levels and styles could benefit anyone needing some extrinsic motivation and who enjoys a bit of lovely chaos and serendipity.

The value (and likely scarcity) of spaces that support art and artists is higher than ever. This is an oddly-faceted and constantly shapeshifting, but brilliant and multicoloured gem that should not be taken for granted. I hope this quirky cultural institution remains a permanent asset to the city, a fixture in my neighbourhood, and even my life, because I am appreciating that there is no equivalent substitute that I can think of, and because the pandemic reminded me (hopefully others, too) of the importance of our “third spaces”; that which is not your actual home...

Wow, wow, wow. My wife and I came here on our "babymoon" and it will now be a staple every time we come to Montreal. The atmosphere is absolutely incredible--every section is different, with an amazing attention to detail in the display of artworks and the design of the rooms themselves. A gorgeous, opulent maze of meticulously planned wallpapers, trims, and lighting, like a modern-day maximalist Versailles--there's something to look at in every corner and on every wall. The art displayed is gorgeous, and the rooms they're in is art in and of itself.

We happened to run into the director when we walked in, Allan Diamond, and he was an absolute delight--he gave us a personal tour of the galleries and studio spaces, telling us some incredible stories about the artwork and his very colorful life. He was friendly and knowledgeable and made the museum that much more entertaining! He also showed us some of the new spaces they're working on, and we are THRILLED to come back and see them finished. It is so clear in every section how much attention, thought, and care is poured into this center.

And the artworks for sale! If we were wealthy enough we'd have bought the lot. We left with a purse full of business cards and managed to narrow down to one artwork to purchase (though it was hard to choose just one!). There were so many incredibly talented local artists on display, with so many different styles and mediums. As an artist myself, I was mesmerized. I wish we could have spent the whole weekend in this place, but we will definitely be coming back. If you like art, funky spaces, interior design, or music or history, I HIGHLY recommend you check...

Terrible and unfair administration, I wouldn't recommend this place to any artist. The place seems great, until you break rules no one told you about.

I went there with another artist and my partner at around 9. We went upstairs and had a few drinks at the bar area with some music, knowing that most artists had already left and that the remaining ones were also accompanied. I had to leave for a moment but when I came back, the people in charge were arguing with my boyfriend, as they were infuriated that we were having drinks AT THE LITERAL BAR AREA when no one had told us it was not allowed. They also complained about the noise, so I apologized for the trouble we may have caused, explaining that no one had explained us the rules, but that we were going to leave. Then the owner came too, he said that he would list me the rules the next day so that this wouldn't happen again, and he proceeded to take our keys. Unfortunately, I was lied to since when I finally called him, he told me I had to pack my stuff and leave without any explanation.

So I was kicked out for breaking rules I didn't even know existed, without any kind of warning first. Plus, they didn't refund me for the rest of the month that I had...