10 Best museums in Montreal

Montreal is not only one of Canada's most important industrial and commercial centres, but also the most important French-speaking territory outside France and a cultural beacon in North America, which is why it is home to some of the country's best exhibits and displays in its museums.

Some of the best things to see and do in Montreal to get to know the city through its exhibitions include visiting the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Archaeology and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Natural Sciences, the McCord Museum and the Railway Museum.

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is one of the city's most outstanding cultural treasures. With an impressive collection of art ranging from ancient to contemporary, this museum offers an enriching and visually captivating experience.

Inside the Museum of Fine Arts you will be greeted by the majesty of its architecture and the elegance of its spaces. Its galleries display works by renowned international artists and also highlight Canadian art, enriching the appreciation of local culture, which is why the best Montreal tours often recommend a visit.

The museum's permanent collections cover a wide range of artistic styles and periods. You can view masterpieces of painting, stunning sculptures, decorative art and a variety of artistic media that capture the diversity and talent of the artists.

In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the Museum of Fine Arts also presents temporary exhibitions featuring different themes and artistic approaches. These exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to explore new creative currents and discover emerging artists.

The Montreal Museum of Ar chaeology and History is a fascinating destination that will transport you back in time to discover the rich history of this Canadian city. Located in the historic centre of Montreal, this museum houses a wide variety of artefacts and exhibits that tell the story of the city's evolution from its origins to the present day, and is easily accessible by bus or bicycle tours.

Here you will find an impressive collection of archaeological artefacts that reveal the earliest indigenous settlements in the region. You can admire tools, ceramics and everyday objects that tell captivating stories about the life of pre-colonial cultures in Montreal.

The Museum of Archaeology and History also offers interactive and multimedia exhibits that will immerse you in key moments in the city's history and will be fun if you plan to visit Montreal with children. From the time of French colonisation to the urban changes of the 20th century, you can explore how the city has transformed over the centuries.

One of the highlights of the museum is the reconstruction of the Place d'Armes, an iconic space in the heart of the city. Here you can experience life in 19th century Montreal, walk the cobblestone streets and explore the historic structures.

The Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art is a dynamic, avant-garde space that celebrates creativity and innovation in contemporary art. Located in the heart of the city, this museum offers a wide range of exhibitions and events showcasing the works of local, national and international artists.

As you enter the Museum of Contemporary Art, you will enter a stimulating and provocative environment. The galleries house a variety of forms of artistic expression, from paintings and sculpture to multimedia installations and conceptual art. Each work seeks to challenge artistic conventions and generate reflections and emotions in the viewer.

The museum presents temporary exhibitions that are constantly renewed, offering visitors the opportunity to discover new trends and emerging artists. These exhibitions capture the diversity of contemporary art and address current social, political and cultural issues, inviting reflection and dialogue. Its location also allows you to discover the St. Lawrence River, which you can also explore on a cruise excursion in the city.

In addition to exhibitions, the Museum of Contemporary Art organises a variety of activities such as lectures, workshops and live art performances. These activities provide visitors with an interactive and enriching experience, allowing them to explore and understand contemporary art from different perspectives.

The Montreal Museum of Natural Sciences is a fascinating place that invites you to explore the amazing natural world around us. Located in the historic centre of Montreal, this museum houses a wealth of exhibits and collections ranging from marine life to dinosaurs and ecology.

The museum's interactive and educational exhibits will allow you to discover the diversity of life on our planet. From dinosaur skeletons to marine species, you can admire impressive reconstructions and learn about the evolution and workings of the natural world.

The Natural Science Museum also has a variety of thematic exhibits that address environmental issues and conservation challenges. These exhibitions highlight the importance of preserving and protecting our natural environment, and invite you to reflect on the relationship between humans and nature.

In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the museum organises special events, lectures and interactive activities that offer an enriching experience for visitors of all ages. You can participate in scientific workshops, observe specimens up close and enjoy 3D projections that take you on virtual journeys to remote locations.

The McCord Museum is a must-see cultural destination in Montreal that immerses you in the rich social history of the city and Canada in general. Housed in a historic building in the city centre, this museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts, photographs and documents that illustrate the evolution of society over time.

In this exhibition, you'll be transported back in time to explore a wide range of topics from immigration and multiculturalism to fashion and photography. The exhibits offer an in-depth look at the daily lives, traditions and stories of the people who have shaped Canadian identity.

One of the museum's main attractions is its collection of historic photographs, which capture iconic moments and reveal the diversity of experiences in society. You can admire portraits of influential people, snapshots of important events and photographs documenting life in Montreal over the years. The total tour of the museum will take you about 2 hours, so it's compatible with a short visit. If that's your case, here are some ideas for discovering Montreal in 2 days.

In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the McCord Museum also presents temporary exhibitions that explore contemporary and challenging themes. These exhibitions offer a current and relevant perspective on society and culture, and invite you to reflect on current social changes and dynamics.

The Montreal Museum of Decorative Arts is a hidden treasure in the city that captivates art and design lovers. Housed in a picturesque historic building, this museum houses an impressive collection of decorative arts spanning from the 15th century to the present day.

In this exhibition you can visit displays of furniture, ceramics, glass, textiles and other forms of decorative art. Each object tells a unique story and shows the evolution of design and craftsmanship over the centuries. Because of its location, you can reach this site by public transport or on Montreal's hop-on-hop-off tour buses.

One of the museum's main attractions is its furniture collection, which features exquisite pieces from different styles and periods. From the luxury of baroque to the simplicity of modern design, you can appreciate the beauty and skill behind each piece of furniture.

The Museum of Decorative Arts is also noted for its themed exhibitions that explore specific aspects of art and design. These exhibitions offer a detailed look at different artistic movements and decorative trends, allowing you to better understand the historical and cultural contexts that shaped these creations.

The Automobile Museum is a must-see destination for lovers of classic cars and automotive history. Located in downtown Montreal, this museum includes a vast collection of vintage and iconic vehicles that will transport you through the evolution of the automotive industry.

This exhibition features a wealth of vintage automobiles, from iconic models from the early 20th century to luxury vehicles from later decades that propelled the city's reputation as an industrial hub in North America. Each car tells its own story and represents a unique era and style.

The museum offers an interactive and educational experience, with exhibits highlighting innovation and technological evolution in the automotive industry. Learn about the advances in design, engineering and performance that have shaped automobiles over the years. If you're planning to visit Montreal for Christmas, you can also check out some of the special activities the museum is preparing for the festive season.

In addition to automobiles, the Montreal Automobile Museum also features exhibits related to automotive culture such as vintage advertising posters, vintage automotive tools and accessories, and historical photographs illustrating the passion for automobiles over time.

The Redpath Museum is one of Montreal's oldest and most prestigious museums, and is renowned for its vast collection of natural history and archaeology. Located on the McGill University campus, this museum offers visitors a fascinating look at the evolution of life on Earth and the archaeological richness of the region.

This museum features a display of fossils and animal specimens dating back millions of years. Marvel at dinosaur skeletons, mammoth reconstructions and other examples of prehistoric life. If you plan to visit at night, you can see the illumination of the building's façade, which is one of the best things to do in Montreal at night.

The museum also houses an extensive collection of North American archaeological artefacts, including tools, pottery and indigenous artefacts. These objects offer a fascinating insight into ancient cultures and their way of life.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Redpath Museum organises educational events and activities for all ages. You can participate in scientific workshops, lectures and demonstrations that will allow you to delve deeper into the topics on display and have a more interactive experience.

The Musée d'Art Contemporain de Laval is a dynamic, avant-garde cultural space that celebrates contemporary art in all its forms. Located in the city of Laval, near Montreal, this museum is a must-see destination for art lovers and those interested in discovering new artistic expressions.

When you enter the Laval Museum of Contemporary Art, you will be immersed in a stimulating and provocative atmosphere. The galleries house a diverse selection of works by local, national and international artists, ranging from paintings and sculptures to multimedia installations and conceptual art. Each exhibition seeks to challenge artistic conventions and generate reflections and emotions in the viewer.

The museum is noted for its programming of temporary exhibitions, which are regularly renewed to offer a fresh and current artistic experience. These exhibitions present the latest trends and currents in contemporary art, giving visitors the opportunity to discover new artists and explore various forms of expression.

In addition to exhibitions, the Musée d'Art Contemporain de Laval organises events, talks and workshops that encourage the active participation of the public. These activities provide an interactive and enriching experience, allowing visitors to engage more deeply with art and creativity. It's definitely one of the best excuses for a full-day excursion from Montreal.

The Montreal Railway Museum is a fascinating place that pays tribute to the history and importance of the railway in the city and Canada in general. Housed in a former train station in the Saint-Constant district, this museum captivates visitors with its extensive collection of locomotives, carriages and railway-related objects.

You'll find yourself surrounded by imposing old locomotives, each with its own history and personality. You can explore the restored carriages and discover what life was like on board these impressive trains in different eras. You can get here on your own or with an excursion to Quebec.

The museum also has interactive exhibits that immerse you in the history of the railway and show you the impact it had on the development of the country. You can learn about the construction of the tracks, the evolution of railway technology and the economic and social importance of rail transport.

In addition to the exhibits, the Railway Museum offers historic train rides at certain times of the year, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the excitement and charm of riding on a vintage train.