The Reinvention of Old Montreal’s Cultural Establishments

Last updated: October 22nd, 2020

“Man is defined by his strong ability to adapt.” The establishments in Old Montreal have clearly lived up to this quote from Socrates. Through online stores, virtual visits, digital events, and more, the museums and art centres of Old Montreal have been able to adapt to the second wave.

DIGITAL STOREFRONTS

Marguerite-Bourgeoys Historical Site, 400 Saint-Paul Street East

The Marguerite-Bourgeoys Historical Site now has an online store! With items like notepads, books, and religious objects, you will find the gift, practical object, or souvenir that you’ve been looking for, from the warmth of your own home. It’s a great way to shop local.

Grand Opening sale: until October 30th, get 15% off of everything in the store!

Good to know – The Marguerite-Bourgeoys Historical Site is offering wonderful audio content to please the ears on their YouTube channel. They have mini-concerts and lectures that played over their speakers last spring at the museum. What a great idea!

VIRTUAL EXHIBITS

Centre Phi, 407, Saint-Pierre Street

Centre Phi has some very interesting online content just for you: conferences, performances, articles, interviews, and more... Their program is rich and diverse. Do you want to escape for a little bit? Try their PHI VR TO GO; a virtual reality helmet that you can rent for 48 hours that will let you live a memorable immersive experience! Note: this is the last month that it will be available!

Gallery Beauchamp, 62 St-Paul Street West and 40 Saint-Paul Street West

It’s not exactly a virtual exhibit that Gallery Beauchamp is putting on, but rather a series of informative videos on the painter Martin Beaupré. In these videos, which you can find on Gallery Beauchamp’s YouTube channel, you will see the painter’s process for creating his works: like by writing inspirational words on a scrap of paper, or by using an unconventional object (like a broom...!) to paint, for example. Visual art fans should be highly interested in these videos. And who knows, maybe it could awaken a desire deep inside you to try your hand at the brush?

Gallery Bloom, 224 Saint-Paul Street West

We know the pain of wanting to walk around an art gallery, but not being able to set foot in one in today’s climate... However, it is still possible to see contemporary visual works of art virtually! Gallery Bloom has thought of the contemporary art fans among us and is allowing you to discover artists on its website. And in addition to contemplating this art, thanks to its online store, you can actually purchase one of your favourite works! Bringing art into the halls of your home is a great way to personalize your interior space!

ONLINE ACTIVITIES

Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal Archaeology and History Complex, 350 place Royale

Pointe-à-Callière and its’ Grand Quiz - 28 days of history and archeology on its Facebook page – proves that innovation is born from constraint! Dig deep in your mind to find the answer to Pointe-à-Callière’s question of the day for the next four weeks. In order to answer and enter for the chance to win a one year museum membership, just fill out their online form (one entry per day). The top winners will be announced on October 29th, and the grand winner will be chosen from all participants on October 30th. Good luck!

Good to know: If you enjoy Pointe-à-Callière and you want to see all their expositions, you should become a member! Now’s the perfect time to get your member’s card; the museum is offering a 25% discount on all new members! Your membership will begin starting on the museum’s first day of reopening.

Centre des sciences, 2 de la Commune Street West

The Centre des sciences is temporarily closed, but remains very active on their social media, notably sharing the most interesting scientific news. To get ideas for experiments to do at home and some online games, go to their website, click on the Games and Experiments tab, and have fun!

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NB: We are updating this list regularly. If your cultural establishment is not mentioned here yet, please write us so we can include it! info@sdcvieuxmontreal.com

© Photo Credit 1 : Geneviève Giguère
© Photo Credit 2 : Élodie Le Pape