Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art (Musée d'Art Contemporain)

Canada’s only museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art, the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art is a showcase of some 7,000 permanent works displayed in eight galleries. Focusing on work created since 1939, the museum includes work from Quebec legends Jean-Paul Riopelle, Paul-Émile Borduas and Génévieve Cadieux. There are also temporary exhibitions of works by current Canadian and international artists.

Forms range from traditional to New Media, from painting, sculpture and prints to installation art and video. The exhibition spaces are large and airy, ideal for regular modern and avant-garde performances held at the museum. The sculpture garden, with Henry Moore's work Upright Motive No. 5, is worth a look. On the first Friday of each month, the museum stays open until 9pm to host "Friday Nocturnes,” with cocktails and live music.

Practical Info

The Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art is located north of Vieux Montreal, along rue Ste-Catherine, by the Place des Arts. The museum is easily accessible by buses and Metro trains.

Upstairs, the museum has a glass-walled restaurant with a great dining terrace. There is also a gift shop filled with tempting artistic gifts.